DZNE is a world-leading, internationally oriented center for cutting-edge research into diseases of the nervous system.

At 10 locations in Germany, around 1,200 employees are working together on new approaches to better understand and effectively combat diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and ALS. 

That is our goal - maybe soon yours too? Become part of the DZNE and support us in realizing our research strategy!

PhD student (f/m/x) for somatic genetics in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Code: 1496/2025/11

We are looking for you to join us full-time for a position that is initially limited to two years, with the option for extension.

The position will be based at the DZNE Ulm site, which studies the underlying mechanisms of disease causation with a particular focus on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson’s disease. Using next-generation sequencing, we have identified Mendelian disease genes that cause autosomal-dominantly inherited ALS. We have developed innovative disease models based on these findings (e.g. Freischmidt et al., Nat Neurosci, 2015, Brenner et al., Brain, 2018; Brenner et al., J Exp Med, 2024). We will bring these analyses to the next level by studying the contribution of somatic (mosaic) mutations that may occur during development or aging to ALS. To this end, we are offering a PhD position to employ targeted deep sequencing or single cell-resolved detection of mosaic mutations with low allele frequency in human post-mortem tissue to gain further insights into the role of genetic mosaics in neurodegeneration. Another aim of this project will be the development of in vitro-models for somatic mutations for functional studies, or the development of diagnostic approaches for ante-mortem detection of, and potential testing of therapeutic interventions against, somatic mutations in neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS.

Your role in detail

• Perform and analyze deep sequencing experiments on autopsy material from ALS patients
• Make use of our established spatial transcriptomic expertise to study mosaic mutations and their downstream consequences in brain tissue
• Learn and Employ iPSC-based techniques
• Perform functional experiments on genetic mosaics and test therapeutic approaches in vitro
• Development of user-friendly tools for data analysis and tracking of experiments
• Prepare and write manuscripts for publication in international scientific journals
• Oral presentation of results on local, national, and international conferences
• Interface between scientists working in the lab and bioinformatical analysis

Your qualifications

We are looking for highly motivated candidates who are open-minded, creative team-player, enthusiastic, have strong analytical skills, think critically, and with good social skills.

The successful candidate will be assisting to coordinate and direct the project. Therefore, excellent communication skills and team working skills are mandatory.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled .

 What our employees value

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Application deadline

05.01.2025