PhD Position within MSCA Doctoral Network MMM, Tübingen, Germany

The position is available at the research division „Translational Genomics of Neurodegenerative Diseases“ of Prof. Synofzik, located at The Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research (HIH), University of Tuebingen.  

You will be integrated in several translational projects to develop and validate patientspecific, individualized antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) for rare neurological diseases (by showcase of Ataxia Teleangiectasia, AT). Your task will be to 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.

What we are looking for:

– You have a Master’s degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Molecular Genetics, Molecular Medicine or related life sciences.

– At least one of the following criteria must be fulfilled:

a) strong experience in standard molecular biology methods, especially in cell culture (e.g., primary fibroblasts), SDS-PAGE and Western blot, qPCR and RT-PCR, DNA/RNA isolation

b) strong experience with translational development of RNA therapies (e.g., antisense oligonucleotides, ASOs) and/or transcript assays using fluid biospecimens

– Familiar with bioinformatics tools or data analysis software is a plus

– Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively

– Very good proficiency in English (both spoken and written) is required.

– Candidates must not already hold a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment. Additionally, the candidate must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months within the 36 months immediately prior recruitment.