Job ID: 120719

Postdoctoral Position in developmental biology and disease modeling (m/f/d) with combined wet and dry lab work

Position: Post-doctoral Position

Deadline: 30 November 2024

Employment Start Date: 1 January 2025

Contract Length: 18 months

City: Heidelberg

Country: Germany

Institution: Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg

Department: Human Genetics

Description:

We are looking for an enthusiastic postdoc to join our research group at the Institute of Human Genetics of the University Heidelberg (Germany) to study the fate of the MAGE family member L2 (MAGEL2) in human neurons.

Our laboratory explores one of the most fundamental phenomena of life: the embryonic neuronal development in health and disease. We incorporate cutting-edge methods from various disciplines (cell biology, genomics, gene editing, bioinformatics, network biology) to construct a multifaceted picture of the differentiation and function of developmental genes including MAGEL2.

The aim of this project is to understand the role of the MAGEL2 upon neuronal development in the context of Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) and Schaaf-Yang Syndrome (SYS). Both disorders result in common and distinct symptoms, with MAGEL2 being absent in PWS and mutated in SYS. The postdoc will elucidate phenotypic differences and similarities between SYS and PWS using CRISPR/Cas9 engineered human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) and their differentiation into neuronal lineages. Examination of SYS and PWS neurons with restored MAGEL2 expression will validate the results. The postdoc will evaluate the results to elucidate neomorphic and loss- or gain-of-function of MAGEL2. In addition, a potential role of MAGEL2 in phase separation related to RNA metabolism and cellular stress response, will be investigated. To elucidate the pathophysiology of MAGEL2, the postdoc will determine its cellular localization and interactome and integrate these data into our ongoing multi-omic data

Your tasks:

  • The successful applicant will investigate the underlying molecular defects of SYS and PWS applying hiPSC culture and differentiation, molecular cloning, CRISPR/ Cas9 engineering, confocal and high-resolution microscopy, co-immunoprecipitation, Western blot, immunofluorescence
  • General ability to analyse and integrate multi-omics data bioinformatics is required
  • Good written and oral communication skills, good organizational and time management skills, and a commitment to excellent record keeping, presentations and conducting rigorous research are a must
  • Competent supervision of students will be required
  • The postdoc is expected to collaborate with national and international scientists

Your profile:

  • Ph.D. in bioscience or equivalent degree with substantial experience in stem cell biology and basics bioinformatics
  • Experience in hiPSC culture, CRISPR/Cas9 targeting and their differentiation
  • Ability to analyze own sequencing data as well as strong interest in Python, R, shell scripting and working with NGS data
  • Curiosity-driven researcher, passionate about science, who can work both independently and as part of our team
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English

We offer:

  • Goal-oriented, individual training and development opportunities
  • Working with the latest techniques / technical equipment
  • Flexible working hours within the framework of flexitime
  • Possibility to publish scientifically is offered and supported
  • Regular team meetings
  • Ticket for public transport, Possibility of childcare (nursery and kindergarten) as well as subsidy for holiday care for school childen
  • Active health promotion, access to the university library and other university facilities