The Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research (HIH), together with the Department of Neurology, forms the Center for Neurology at the University of Tuebingen. It is dedicated to basic and translational research in neurological diseases. Together with the several other highly advanced neuroscience institutes, it is part of the TuebingenNeuroCampus (TNC), here working closely together also with the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) and being part of the Gene & RNA Therapy Center (GRTC). Scientists in the more than 100 active research groups of the TNC pursue theoretical, system-neuroscientific, molecular, and clinical research approaches in their entire breadth using a wide range of methods.
The research division „Translational Genomics of Neurodegenerative Diseases“ of Prof. Synofzik focuses on genomics, pathophysiology and translational biomarker research as well as treatment development in the field of neurodegenerative diseases, with a special focus on genetic ataxias, motor neuron diseases, and dementias. Prof. Synofzik is part of several European and transatlantic consortia on development of ASO therapies, in particular tailored to single patients (n-of-1 ASOs). A wide range of molecular, protein biochemical and cell biological methods are applied in the lab (e.g. exome/genome/RNAseq sequencing, Sanger sequencing, qPCR, western blotting, ELISAs, and cutting-edge ultra-sensitive protein analysis including Simoa, Luminex and Singulex technology, ASO development from bench to bedside and back). The PhD project. You will be integrated in several translational projects as the key person to develop and validate patient-specific, individualized antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) for rare neurological diseases (by showcase of Ataxia Teleangiectasia, AT). You will design a large candidate battery of ASOs in silico, and test the efficacy and toxicity of the most promising candidate ASOs in vitro in patient-derived cell models. To facilitate the use of in vivo target engagement biomarkers for these ASOs, you will develop targeted ultra-sensitive transcript assays aiming to detect restored ATM transcripts in patient’s CSF in vivo (e.g. digital PCR ). You will receive an excellent training in cutting-edge molecular biology methods and assay development (including ASO design, RNA therapy design, dPCR, Simoa, Singulex and Luminex technology, which are all directly available and established on site), collaborate with the Gene & RNA Therapy Center (GRTC) and other biotechnology cores across the Tuebingen research campus, and work collaboratively with our team to report the results and progress at conferences and scientific journals.
This position will be part of an Integrated Doctoral Network programme “Medicine Made to Measure” (MMM) supported by the European Union Horizon Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions programme (MSCA), GA no. 101120256.
You have a Master’s degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Molecular Genetics, Molecular Medicine or related life sciences.
Experience with development and validation of methods in molecular biology, ideally (but not mandatory) also with translational development of RNA therapies and/or transcript assays using fluid biospecimens
You should have good communication skills, attention to detail, and flexibility to work both independently and collaboratively.
Very good proficiency in English (oral and written) is mandatory.
The doctoral candidates we are looking for must not already be in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment. The candidate must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their date of recruitment.
We offer a challenging interdisciplinary translational project that is integrated into the EU-funded Integrated Doctoral Network programme “Medicine Made to Measure” (MMM), which will allow for excellent continuous training and mentoring modules, as well as mobility allowances across top-labs in Europe working on the same topic. Moreover, this project will be integrated also with other major national and European research consortia at the interface of genomics and translational medicine, well-equipped laboratories with top-notch facilities, excellent supervision in a highly collaborative international environment and affiliation with the Graduate Training Center of Neuroscience. The position is available immediately. Salary will be determined according to EU MSCA salary regulations. Appointment is full time and will be initially for up to three years with the possibility of extension. We give priority to severely disabled applicants with essentially equal qualifications.