PhD Candidate (f/m/x) in Endothelial Mechanobiology and Cellular Signaling
Full time39 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 Georgiadi Lab (Group of Endocrine Pharmacology) at the Institute for Diabetes and Cancer (IDC) studies how vascular and metabolic signaling regulate adipose tissue function in obesity, aging, and cardiometabolic disease. Our work combines endothelial biology, mechanobiology, GPCR signaling, multi-omics, and metabolic phenotyping to understand how adipose tissue adapts to physiological and pathological stress.
The project is embedded within the DFG-funded Collaborative Research Centre TRR333, an interdisciplinary network focused on brown adipose tissue biology and metabolic health.
Your tasks
- Develop and optimize in vitro models to investigate endothelial biology under defined mechanical and molecular conditions
- Establish advanced experimental systems, including co-culture and microfluidic approaches, to study cellular responses under flow
- Design and perform functional assays to investigate GPCR signaling and mechanobiological processes
- Collaborate closely with computational researchers to validate candidate mechanisms and generate integrated biological insights
- Present and publish research findings and contribute to collaborative in vivo studies
Your profile
- Master's degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Bioengineering, or a related field
- Hands-on experience with cell culture and molecular biology techniques
- Strong interest in mechanobiology, vascular biology, or receptor signaling
- Motivation to work in an interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment
- Excellent written and spoken English skills
Desirable qualifications
- Experience or strong interest in bioengineering, microfluidics, or advanced in vitro model systems
- Experience with functional assay development or GPCR signaling
- Willingness to contribute to in vivo experiments
This position provides the opportunity for you to build specialist knowledge whilst developing key professional experience, both of which will help you to make strides in your scientific career.
Remuneration and social security benefits are based on the German Collective Wage Agreement for Public-Sector Employees at Federal Level (EG 13 50% TV EntgO Bund). In addition, there is also the possibility of receiving an allowance if the applicable conditions are met. The position has an (initial) fixed term of three years but may be extended under certain circumstances.
„We believe that diversity is the key to groundbreaking research and innovative solutions. Our flexible working models and remote options create a supportive environment for balancing work and family life. For us, contributing to a healthier society in such an inspiring workplace is truly meaningful.“
Benefits
- Scientific Training: Helmholtz Munich Graduate School
- Career counseling: Career Center for PhD candidates
- Scientific Resources: State-of-the-art infrastruture and Core Facilities
- Health Promotion: Sports, company doctor, mental health initiatives
- International Staff Service: Support with the relocation and integration process in Germany
Interested in applying?
- CV
- Cover letter
- Degrees/Diplomas/Certificates
- References from recent employers
- Contact details for at least two referees
- List of publications
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)
Institute for Diabetes and Cancer
Ingolstädter Landstraße 1
85764 Neuherberg
