WE ARE LOOKING FOR A

Postdoc in stem cell metabolism (m/f/div)

The Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics in Freiburg, Germany is offering a post-doc position in the Epimetabolism Lab in the Department of Chromatin Regulation (Principal investigator: Dr. Sukanya Guhathakurta, Department Head: Prof. Dr. Asifa Akhtar).

The position is to be filled as soon as possible and is initially limited for one year.

YOUR TASKS:

The lab works on genetic engineering of human stem cells and subsequent investigation of genotype-phenotype relationship of genetic perturbations in 3D brain organoids. The position is available for an initial one-year appointment with the possibility of extension.

We are looking for an ambitious, highly-motivated, science-driven and experienced stem cell and mitochondrial biologist to join our team to unravel the molecular mechanisms of crosstalk between metabolism and epigenetics. You will work closely together with PhD students and contribute your expertise on design, implementation, troubleshooting and analysis of experiments.

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants should have an academic degree including a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Biology
Strong foundation of mitochondrial biology of the central nervous system.
Candidates should have at least 3 years of proven experience stem cell, neuronal and glial cell culture.
Expertise in basic molecular biology and cell biology methods, including but not limited to, molecular cloning, flow cytometry and confocal microscopy.
Elementary knowledge in programming in R and/or Python for data analysis.
Candidates must have a strong publication record and possess excellent communication skills.
Candidates must be able to demonstrate the ability to collaborate with colleagues and work well in a team

WE OFFER:

Located in a region that connects Germany, France and Switzerland, our institute offers an international research environment with outstanding infrastructure facilities and a positive working atmosphere that places a high value on work-life balance.

Payment according to TVöD up to a maximum of E13 if the collectively agreed and personal requirements are fulfilled
Social benefits in line with public service (VBL)
Additional performance-related remuneration component
Professional training and development opportunities
Good public transport connections and subsidy for job ticket
Challenging work in a modern working environment
Mobile working at a location of your choice within Germany is possible up to a maximum of 40% of the regular weekly working hours in justified cases.
Catering provided by the institute's own cafeteria on site and shopping facilities within walking distance
Dual-Career-Support and Welcome-Service
Family-friendly offers (affiliated day care center at the institute, parent-child room, breastfeeding room)

Max Planck Institute for
Immunobiology and Epigenetics
HR Department
Stübeweg 51
79108 Freiburg

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Have we sparked your interest? Please apply with your complete application documents (letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, certificates, statement of research interests) via our at until 9th January 2026.

The Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics (MPI-IE) in Freiburg, Germany is an interdisciplinary research institution that conducts basic research in two key areas of modern biology: Immunobiology and Epigenetics. Central questions address the molecular basis of cell type identities, as they are regulated during immune cell differentiation, metabolic response and epigenetic chromatin adaptation.

We value and promote diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities, so we welcome applications from all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from severely disabled people. We would also like to increase the proportion of women in areas where they are underrepresented and therefore expressly encourage women to apply.

Max Planck Institute for
Immunobiology and Epigenetics
HR Department
Stübeweg 51
79108 Freiburg