Postdoctoral researcher (m/f/d)

Area of research:

Scientific / postdoctoral posts

Starting date:

01.04.2025

Job description:

The Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in the Helmholtz Association is an international biomedical research center dedicated to understanding the molecular mechanisms of health and disease with the goal to devise new diagnostics and medicines. The MDC is a member of the Helmholtz Association, Germany's largest scientific organization, and offers an engaging research environment with cutting-edge research infrastructure. Currently, ~1250 employees and ~500 guest scientists work at the Berlin-Buch and Berlin-Mitte campuses. Our diverse workforce is a core strength that inspires creativity and innovation at the MDC.

The MDC is committed to improving human health through transformative biomedical research. Our goal is to pioneer discoveries for preventing, treating, and ultimately curing disease.

We are looking for a highly motivated and committed postdoctoral researcher for an exciting position in a molecular biology laboratory at the interface between basic research and clinical application. Our aim is to develop innovative methods for the cost-effective production of personalised gene therapies using non-viral gene transfer. The research project is geared towards a future spin-off and offers you the opportunity to be part of a promising biotech start-up from the very beginning, so an entrepreneurial mindset is essential for this position.

Job Description:

You will play a key role in the development and optimisation of non-viral gene delivery systems. This includes the production and validation of gene vectors in vitro and the establishment of protocols for T-cell manipulation. You will independently plan, perform and analyse experiments and contribute to the automation of laboratory processes. You will also establish and maintain partnerships with companies to further the project's goals and prepare for a possible spin-off.

Requirements:

• PhD in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology or related field.
• Sound knowledge of standard molecular biology techniques (Western blot, PCR, qPCR, flow cytometry, cloning).
• Good knowledge of nucleotide and organic chemistry.
• Experience in isolation and culture of primary T cells from PBMCs is an advantage.
• Strong interest in laboratory automation.
• Experience with liquid handling systems and Python programming skills are an advantage.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and behaviour.
• Passionate about science communication and cultivating collaborative relationships with industry professionals.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Benefits:

• International working environment with communication in English and German.
• Interesting career opportunities and a range of opportunities for further qualification and training.
• Compatibility of family and career certified by the workandfamily audit (“berufundfamilie audit”).
• Support for "New Berliners" through the MDC Welcome & Family Office.

You also benefit from:

• A remuneration in accordance with the collective agreement for the federal public service (TVöD-Bund), including additional company pension schemes.
• A secure job.
• Flexible working hours and childcare support.
• The possibility of mobile working.
• An idyllic green campus, which is easily accessible by bicycle, public transport or car.
• Free use of Nextbike from the Buch S-Bahn station to the campus.
• Subsidy for the job ticket as well as discounts in the campus canteen.
• On-campus health and fitness center.
• Additional health benefits such as flu vaccination, eye test, ergonomics advice at the workplace.

Team:

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Publication period:

19.02.2025 - 16.03.2025

Desired starting date:

01.04.2025

Job location:

MDC Berlin-Buch
Robert-Rössle-Str. 10
13125 Berlin

Employment period:

Fixed Term. The Position is limited for 3 years.

Scope of employment:

Full time

Salary:

Remuneration will be according to the TVöD Bund, depending on the personal requirements, up to the fee group E13.

Application:

Please use our online portal and submit your application including a cover letter, CV (without photo, age and information about your family status) and other relevant attachments.

If you have a foreign degree, please submit proof of the recognition of your Master's degree in Germany with your application. The proof can be determined via the anabin database and can be submitted as a PDF attachment to the application. Further information can be found at Recognition of Degrees and Achievments.

For information on fair mobility, click here: www.fair-labour-mobility.eu.

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.