About us:

LMU Munich is one of Europe’s leading research institutions. Scientists from all over the world encounter excellent conditions for their work in their own research field and in interdisciplinary networks alike.
The BMC is located on the Martinsried Campus (one of the best scientific locations in Germany) and offers an ideal research infrastructure with close proximity to the LMU University Hospital, the Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Faculty of Biology, the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE-Munich), Helmholtz Center Munich, the Max Planck Institutes for Biochemistry and Biological Intelligence and the Innovation and Start-up Center Biotechnology (IZB).
Off campus, Munich is one of the friendliest and liveliest cities in the world and offers a wide range of cultural and leisure activities all year round.

Our research explores how alterations in chromatin regulation affect other cellular organelles, why some of these conditions are more common in one sex than the other, and how very different mutations can trigger similar developmental problems. More information can be found on our homepage.

Project Summary This PhD project builds upon an ongoing collaboration between groups in Mainz (Schweiger lab) and Basel (Keller Valsecchi lab) to investigate the molecular mechanisms controlling gene reactivation during development. Using human induced stem cell models with fluorescent reporters and high-throughput screening approaches, we aim to identify key regulatory factors and distinguish between gene-specific and global mechanisms governing X chromosome dynamics. This research opens the way to elucidate its contribution to female-biased disease along developmental trajectories.

We are looking for you:

PhD position in human X chromosome regulation (m/f/x)

in Planegg

Your tasks and responsibilities:

• Design and execute imaging-based high-throughput screening experiments
• Develop, optimize cellular assays and CRISPR engineering using human iPS stem cell models and differentiation systems (2D or organoids)
• Perform functional validation of candidate hits using molecular biology techniques and smFISH.
• Conduct multi-omics data integration across experimental platforms (e.g. NGS, Imaging time lapse, particle tracing)
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams and external partners in Basel (CH) and Mainz (DE)
• Mentor undergraduate and Master's students in laboratory techniques.
• Maintain detailed experimental records
• Effective time management with flexibility
• Present findings at lab meetings, conferences, and in peer-reviewed publications

Your qualifications:

• A Master's degree (or comparable) in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, medicine, or related natural science disciplines.
• A high degree of responsibility and a proven record of teamwork (e.g. biologist-bioinformatician, clinicians-biochemist)
• Experience with cell culture techniques is highly desirable and knowledge of basic microscopy methods is an advantage.
• Interest and/or experience in working at the interface between wet and dry lab is a plus.
• Interest in working independently on scientific questions.
• Organizational skills, a high work ethic, flexibility, curiosity, and a passion for research

Benefits:

• An exciting project in a young, well-equipped and modern laboratory.
• Creative working conditions in a top world-wide research environment.
• Mentorship for career development for both academic and industry path
• LMU Gateway support in all matters relating to the move to Munich [for international PhD students]
• Participation at conferences and in international research projects
• Many opportunities to help shape our BMC initiatives (e.g. BMC Green Lab, Public Outreach and BMC working group diversity and inclusion)
• Free parking and good public transportation connections
• Compatibility of family and science (e.g. kindergarten on campus and emergency child care)
• Numerous LMU employee benefits, e.g. discounted fitness and cultural offers, job public transport ticket, Jobbike as well as several canteens and excellent cafés on campus
• Annual special payment, 30 days of vacation and additional pension scheme

We welcome applications from all backgrounds. The promotion of diversity is an important strategic goal at our center and our lab. This is reflected in the BMC Code of Conduct, which actively promotes diversity and equal opportunities.

Destination Germany

Do you have questions about visa requirements or degree recognition? Are you looking for housing, childcare, or trying to decide on the best health insurance? The "Research in Bavaria" and LMU Gateway website provides help in these practical matters.

People with disabilities who are equally as qualified as other applicants will receive preferential treatment.

Contact:

Application Process

Please submit your complete application exclusively via our online application tool, including the following documents individually:

• Curriculum Vitae (PDF file, max. 2 pages, written in English).
• Short description of research projects carried out during your studies (e.g., Bachelor Thesis). Please describe the rationale of the research, and highlight your contributions to the results (approx. 300 words).
• Description of your general research interests and career goals (approx. 200 words).
• What do you find interesting about our research? (approx. 200 words).
• Updated Transcripts.
• Contact details for at least two referees, including at least one direct supervisor who has worked with you for at least six months.

AI Policy: AI assistance is welcome for tasks like proofreading, but you must clearly mention where it was used. Primarily AI-generated applications will be automatically discarded without feedback

Applications will be considered if submitted by 01.11.2025.

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