DZNE is a world-leading, internationally oriented center for cutting-edge research into diseases of the nervous system.
At ten 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
Site: Ulm
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
* Master’s degree in biology, molecular medicine or a related field
* Technical knowledge on the field of cell biology, genomics and sequencing and its implications on data analysis would ideal
* Strong willingness to learn new tools for data analysis
* A keen interest in neurodegenerative diseases
* English language is a prerequisite
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
* Innovation and internationality – a forward-looking infrastructure, modern laboratory and office equipment, software tools and the opportunity for international exchange with your colleagues from 65 nations
* Family-conscious corporate culture – because we know that family is important, we support you with parent-child-offices, family services and daycare co-operations
* Work-life balance – we reconcile work and private life with flexible working hours, 30 days’ holiday (on top free on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve) and subsidised job / Germany ticket options
* Personalised onboarding – for a good start to your new professional challenge
* Focus on development – excellent publication opportunities and great potential for the further development of your own research profile
* Health promotion – through our extensive range of company health programmes, in cooperation with Sozialwerk.Bund
* Remuneration and conditions according to TVöD-Bund – including annual special payment, capital-forming benefits and VBL supplementary pension scheme
The DZNE is an equal opportunity employer. It is committed to employing disabled individuals and especially encourages them to apply.
Please submit your application online via
.
Application deadline: 05.01.2026