Masterstudents (f/m/x) – RNA Quality Control Lab
Part timemax. 20 hrs./week
Neuherberg near Munich
At Helmholtz Munich, we develop groundbreaking solutions for a healthier society in a rapidly changing world. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. Through strong partnerships, we accelerate the transfer of new ideas from the lab to real-life applications, improving lives.
The Helmholtz Pioneer Campus (HPC) founded and funded by Helmholtz Munich stands for the intelligent fusion of biomedical sciences, engineering and digitization. At HPC, top scientific talents from across the globe work together on the development of novel solutions that make a difference in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
The RNA Quality Control lab studies what happens when RNA polymerase II fails to reach the end of a gene, and how the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) released by that failure drives disease.
We work with a set of methods, we are expert in covering nascent transcriptomics, degron-based protein depletion, iPSC-derived neural models and we will train you in them.
In return, we anticipate that you deploy them well and understand what each experiment tests, and think critically about the results.
Your input will help shape our future research direction.
Your tasks
- Carry out a well-defined and time-restricted experimental project on transcription elongation, dsRNA accumulation or the stress response
- Learn and apply core methods: cell culture, degron-based protein depletion, RNA extraction, qPCR, western blot
- Analyse your own sequencing or imaging data - no prior coding experience needed, we will teach it
- Keep a complete, reproducible record of what you did and why
- Present your results in lab meetings and explain what they do and do not show
Your profile
- Enrolled in a Master's programme in biology, biochemistry, molecular medicine or a related field
- Basic wet-lab experience from coursework or a previous internship
- Willing to ask questions about a protocol rather than run it unquestioned
- Ready to learn methods thoroughly rather than only far enough to produce a result
- Good written and spoken English
Desirable qualifications
- Prior experience with cell culture or molecular cloning
- Any exposure to R, Unix or data analysis
- Available for a six-week internship before the thesis project begins
- Interest in transcription, RNA biology or the stress response
This position has a fixed term, according to your study regulations (max. 1 year).
Above: healthy cells. Below: cells where transcription termination has failed, with double-stranded RNA (yellow) building up in the cytoplasm.
You will make these cells, treat them, and analyse the sequencing data that explains why they fail. No prior coding experience needed - we teach that part.
Illustration: Ella Maru Studio.
Interested in applying?
- CV
- Cover letter
- Contact details for at least two referees
If you have obtained a university degree abroad, we will require further documents from you regarding the comparability of your degree by the time you start work at the latest. Please request the Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications as early as possible.
We are committed to promoting a culture of diversity and welcome applications from talented people regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical abilities, religion or age. Qualified applicants with physical disabilities will be given preference.
Our commitment
Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH)
Helmholtz Pioneer Campus
Ingolstädter Landstraße 1
85764 Neuherberg
