The Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in the Helmholtz Association is an international biomedical research center dedicated to understanding the molecular mechanisms of health and disease with the goal to devise new diagnostics and medicines. The MDC is a member of the Helmholtz Association, Germany’s largest scientific organization, and offers an engaging research environment with cutting-edge research infrastructure. Currently, ~1250 employees and ~500 guest scientists work at the Berlin-Buch and Berlin-Mitte campuses. Our diverse workforce is a core strength that inspires creativity and innovation at the MDC.
The MDC is committed to improving human health through transformative biomedical research. Our goal is to pioneer discoveries for preventing, treating, and ultimately curing disease.
The Technology Platform Pluripotent Stem Cells at the Max Delbrück Center (MDC), in collaboration with the Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), is offering a postdoctoral research position in stem cell biology, bioengineering, germ cell differentiation, and species conservation.
This position is part of an exciting initiative applying cutting-edge reproductive and stem cell technologies to species conservation. It focuses on two endangered mammals:
1. The Northern White Rhinoceros (NWR), a species on the brink of extinction, as part of the BioRescue project.
2. The Bavarian Pine Vole (Microtus bavaricus), an endemic and critically endangered rodent, offering a unique model system for developing and refining conservation techniques, including tetraploid complementation assays.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

The ideal candidate (/m/f/d) is an independent, highly motivated researcher with a strong background in stem cell biology or developmental biology. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in cell culture techniques, molecular biology, gene editing (CRISPR), and in vitro differentiation methodologies.

Essential qualifications:

• Ph.D. in stem cell biology, bioengineering, developmental biology, or a related field (or near completion)
• minimum of 5 years of experience in stem cell research or a related discipline
• strong experience with pluripotent stem cell culture and differentiation protocols
• hands-on expertise in CRISPR genome editing and vector cloning procedures
• solid understanding of germ cell differentiation and/or in vitro fertilization techniques
• familiarity with tetraploid complementation assays and/or embryonic development methods
• ability to troubleshoot experiments and develop scientific workflows independently
• strong organizational and team collaboration skills

• willingness to work under biosafety level 2 conditionsweekend work around once a month necessary

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• experience in iPSC-derived gamete differentiation and functional assays
• background in functional analysis of embryonic development
• experience mentoring junior scientists and technicians

• develop and optimize differentiation protocols for iPSC-derived germ cells and embryos in both large (NWR) and small (Bavarian Pine Vole) mammals.
• perform CRISPR-based genome editing to enhance functionality of stem cell-derived gametes.
• derive and characterize new iPSC lines from NWR and Bavarian Pine Vole specimens and functionally compare them with embryonic stem cells if possible.
• explore tetraploid complementation assays as a potential method for producing viable offspring from iPSC-derived embryos.
• supervise technicians performing gene editing and cell differentiation experiments.
• troubleshoot and refine methodologies to increase efficiency and robustness.
• summarize research findings, prepare manuscripts, and present data in group meetings.