Biologe (m/w/d) (Biologe/Biologin)

Research at the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy (MOCA)deals with the cytoskeleton and cellular junctions as main integrators of cell and tissue function. We use morphological and functional imaging techniques in vital cells, tissues, organoids and organisms (www.moca.ukaachen.de). PhD project: Mechanobiology of Human Embryo Implantation
Embryo implantation is highly species-specific and occurs only during a restricted time during the menstrual cycle, i.e., the “window of implantation”. It necessitates profound changes in the endometrial epithelium and connective tissue. Implantation is initiated by adhesion of the embryos’ outer trophectoderm to the maternal uterine epithelium. Crosstalk between both enables expansion of the embryo and penetration of the endometrial epithelial barrier followed by trophoblast invasion of the underlying endometrial connective tissue. The aim of your project is to understand the contribution of mechanobiological feedback between trophectoderm, endometrial epithelium and connective tissue during human embryo implantation.

Your tasks:
You will be part of the graduate school "Mechanobiology in Epithelial 3D Tissue Constructs" (MEƎT; me3t.rwth-aachen.de). Your project combines 2D and 3D co-culture systems with state-of-the-art microscopy and mechanobiological analyses. You will (i) study the contribution of epithelial polarization and hormonal regulation on trophoblast-endometrial adhesion and penetration, and (ii) investigate the influence of connective tissue stiffness on trophoblast adhesion and migration. Your profile:
You are highly motivated and ambitious. You have a strong background in cell biology or mechanobiology. You are versed in the fields of biomaterials, tissue engineering and microscopy. You must have completed a master or equivalent degree in biology, biomedical engineering or a comparable study program to be accepted. Willingness for teamwork, the ability to work independently and excellent English language skills are expected. RWTH Aachen University is certified as a family-friendly university and offers a dual career program for partner hiring. We particularly welcome and encourage applications from women, disabled people and ethnic minority groups, recognizing they are underrepresented across RWTH Aachen University. The principles of fair and open competition apply, and appointments will be made on merit.

Our profile
Research at the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy (MOCA)deals with the cytoskeleton and cellular junctions as main integrators of cell and tissue function. We use morphological and functional imaging techniques in vital cells, tissues, organoids and organisms (www.moca.ukaachen.de). PhD project: Epidermal Tissue Stability in Keratinopathy
The project examines the effects of keratin mutations on epidermal mechanoresponses and neuronal stimulation. The project aims to develop in vitro models for the investigation of mechanically induced pathomechanisms in two inherited epidermal keratinopathies: Epidermolysis bullosa simplex, which has been linked to keratins 5 and 14 and is characterized by intraepidermal blisters and intense itching, and Pachyonychia congenita, which has been linked to keratins 6, 16 and 17 and is characterized by suprabasal hyperproliferation, extensive cornification and intense pain.

Your tasks:
You will be part of the graduate school "Mechanobiology in Epithelial 3D Tissue Constructs" (MEƎT; me3t.rwth-aachen.de). You are expected to work in an interdisciplinary team with a keen interest in novel technological developments. Your project combines 3D culture systems with state-of-the-art microscopy and mechanobiological analyses. You will monitor cytoskeletal keratin network dynamics, measure local mechanical properties and study mechanoresponses in wild-type and mutant keratinocytes grown as monolayers and epidermal equivalents. Your profile:
We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious PhD student with a strong background in cell biology or mechanobiology. Knowledge in the fields of biomaterials, tissue engineering and microscopy is appreciated. The successful applicant must have completed a master or equivalent degree in biology, biomedical engineering or a comparable study program to be accepted either as a Dr. rer. nat. or Dr. rer. medic. candidate at RWTH Aachen University. Willingness for teamwork, the ability to work independently and excellent English language skills are expected. RWTH Aachen University is certified as a family-friendly university and offers a dual career program for partner hiring. We particularly welcome and encourage applications from women, disabled people and ethnic minority groups, recognizing they are underrepresented across RWTH Aachen University. The principles of fair and open competition apply, and appointments will be made on merit.

The Research Training Group "Mechanobiology in Epithelial 3D Tissue Constructs" (MEƎT) is funded by the German Research Council (DFG). MEƎT provides a state-of-the-art research and training environment for highly motivated PhD candidates. The positions will start July 1, 2025. They are offered for three years (pay category: 13 TV-L). The successful candidate is expected to pursue a doctoral degree.

MEƎT is coordinated by RWTH Aachen University (speaker Rudolf Leube). It integrates an interdisciplinary consortium of cell biologists, biophysicists and bioengineers investigating the mechanisms that influence the properties and formation of epithelial tissues. This basic research is aimed at contributing to the development of complex tissue constructs for studying, understanding and treating human diseases. The Research Training Group provides in-depth expertise in cell biology, biophysics and mathematical modelling of epithelial tissues, fosters the spirit of transdisciplinary collaboration and offers hands-on training in cutting-edge techniques of mechanobiology, tissue engineering and high resolution microscopy. A coherent, though flexible curriculum builds a solid foundation in the core concepts and key questions of mechanobiology. Combined with innovative qualification elements, professional skill development, international network building, and - most importantly - the opportunity to conduct independent research in a nurturing environment, MEƎT aims to train scientists in the field of mechanobiology for competing at the highest international level. For further information see me3t.rwth-aachen.de. You will work on a challenging topic together with scientists from different fields of expertise. You will handle a complex experimental project and to enhance it with your own ideas. Your regular participation in the curriculum of the graduate school is expected. Given the transdisciplinary character of the Research Training Group, candidates from diverse backgrounds including all, but not limited to life sciences should apply. Successful applicants should have an excellent Master's degree (or equivalent) in biology, physics, engineering, chemistry, biochemistry, medicine, bioinformatics, biotechnology, modeling, image analysis or any other relevant field. Excellent English language skills are a prerequisite. RWTH Aachen University is certified as a family-friendly university and offers a dual career program for partner hiring. We particularly welcome and encourage applications from women, disabled people and ethnic minority groups, recognizing they are underrepresented across RWTH Aachen University. The principles of fair and open competition apply, and appointments will be made on merit.

The Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering - Institute for Stem Cell Biology - is offering a position for a

PhD student position (m/f/d) for a bioinformatician working on Epigenetics of Pluripotent Stem Cells and Aging

It can start as soon as possible and is initially limited for 3 years (TV-L E13 65%).

Within the project “PluripotencyScreen” (supported by VIP+ BMBF), we are developing an innovative quality control method for iPSC based on epigenetic characteristics. Furthermore, we aim for a better understanding of age-associated epigenetic modifications of various already available omics data (supported by DFG). We are looking for a bioinformatician with a strong background in epigenetics and focus on DNA methylation. The major task will be integration and comprehensive analysis of own and public EPIC Illumina Bead Chip datasets, RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq, WGBS, and nanopore sequencing datasets.

You can find further information on our research group under: http://www.stemcellbiology.ukaachen.de.
Reference: Schmidt et al., Stem Cell Reports 2023 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.11.001
Identification of lineage-specific epigenetic modifications
Derivation of DNA methylation signatures for iPSC characterization
Analysis and integration of age-associated DNA methylation and histone modifications
Experimental design and analysis of nanopore sequencing data
Scientific publication of the results

Master degree in either Biology, Bioinformatics, or comparable degrees in Natural Sciences
Bioinformatic skills for DNA methylation analysis
programming languages R and optionally perl or python
Background knowledge in iPSC and or aging research
Willingness to contribute to different projects within our team
Able to communicate clearly in English and willing to work in an international team

We provide a highly interactive and well-equipped environment, in an international team, with excellent partners, and a broad spectrum of methods
The research topic is highly relevant and high quality datasets are already available
Contribution to a translational project that may result in a spin-off company
We offer performance-based remuneration in accordance with the provisions of TV-L (EG 13), including attractive public service benefits (For PhD students, the position will be funded with 65% EG13 for three years).

This position is not gender specific. The RWTH Aachen University Hospital promotes equal opportunities and diversity. If suitably qualified, people with a registered disability will receive priority.

The Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering - Institute for Stem Cell Biology - is offering a position for a

PhD student position (m/f/d) for a bioinformatician working on Epigenetics of Pluripotent Stem Cells and Aging

It can start as soon as possible and is initially limited for 3 years (TV-L E13 65%).

Within the project “PluripotencyScreen” (supported by VIP+ BMBF), we are developing an innovative quality control method for iPSC based on epigenetic characteristics. Furthermore, we aim for a better understanding of age-associated epigenetic modifications of various already available omics data (supported by DFG). We are looking for a bioinformatician with a strong background in epigenetics and focus on DNA methylation. The major task will be integration and comprehensive analysis of own and public EPIC Illumina Bead Chip datasets, RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq, WGBS, and nanopore sequencing datasets.

You can find further information on our research group under: http://www.stemcellbiology.ukaachen.de.
Reference: Schmidt et al., Stem Cell Reports 2023 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.11.001
Identification of lineage-specific epigenetic modifications
Derivation of DNA methylation signatures for iPSC characterization
Analysis and integration of age-associated DNA methylation and histone modifications
Experimental design and analysis of nanopore sequencing data
Scientific publication of the results

Master degree in either Biology, Bioinformatics, or comparable degrees in Natural Sciences
Bioinformatic skills for DNA methylation analysis
programming languages R and optionally perl or python
Background knowledge in iPSC and or aging research
Willingness to contribute to different projects within our team
Able to communicate clearly in English and willing to work in an international team

We provide a highly interactive and well-equipped environment, in an international team, with excellent partners, and a broad spectrum of methods
The research topic is highly relevant and high quality datasets are already available
Contribution to a translational project that may result in a spin-off company
We offer performance-based remuneration in accordance with the provisions of TV-L (EG 13), including attractive public service benefits (For PhD students, the position will be funded with 65% EG13 for three years).

This position is not gender specific. The RWTH Aachen University Hospital promotes equal opportunities and diversity. If suitably qualified, people with a registered disability will receive priority.

The Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering - Institute for Stem Cell Biology - is offering a position for a

PhD student position (m/f/d) for a bioinformatician working on Epigenetics of Pluripotent Stem Cells and Aging

It can start as soon as possible and is initially limited for 3 years (TV-L E13 65%).

Within the project “PluripotencyScreen” (supported by VIP+ BMBF), we are developing an innovative quality control method for iPSC based on epigenetic characteristics. Furthermore, we aim for a better understanding of age-associated epigenetic modifications of various already available omics data (supported by DFG). We are looking for a bioinformatician with a strong background in epigenetics and focus on DNA methylation. The major task will be integration and comprehensive analysis of own and public EPIC Illumina Bead Chip datasets, RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq, WGBS, and nanopore sequencing datasets.

You can find further information on our research group under: http://www.stemcellbiology.ukaachen.de.
Reference: Schmidt et al., Stem Cell Reports 2023 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.11.001
Identification of lineage-specific epigenetic modifications
Derivation of DNA methylation signatures for iPSC characterization
Analysis and integration of age-associated DNA methylation and histone modifications
Experimental design and analysis of nanopore sequencing data
Scientific publication of the results

Master degree in either Biology, Bioinformatics, or comparable degrees in Natural Sciences
Bioinformatic skills for DNA methylation analysis
programming languages R and optionally perl or python
Background knowledge in iPSC and or aging research
Willingness to contribute to different projects within our team
Able to communicate clearly in English and willing to work in an international team

We provide a highly interactive and well-equipped environment, in an international team, with excellent partners, and a broad spectrum of methods
The research topic is highly relevant and high quality datasets are already available
Contribution to a translational project that may result in a spin-off company
We offer performance-based remuneration in accordance with the provisions of TV-L (EG 13), including attractive public service benefits (For PhD students, the position will be funded with 65% EG13 for three years).

This position is not gender specific. The RWTH Aachen University Hospital promotes equal opportunities and diversity. If suitably qualified, people with a registered disability will receive priority.

The Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering - Institute for Stem Cell Biology - is offering a position for a

PhD student position (m/f/d) for a bioinformatician working on Epigenetics of Pluripotent Stem Cells and Aging

It can start as soon as possible and is initially limited for 3 years (TV-L E13 65%).

Within the project “PluripotencyScreen” (supported by VIP+ BMBF), we are developing an innovative quality control method for iPSC based on epigenetic characteristics. Furthermore, we aim for a better understanding of age-associated epigenetic modifications of various already available omics data (supported by DFG). We are looking for a bioinformatician with a strong background in epigenetics and focus on DNA methylation. The major task will be integration and comprehensive analysis of own and public EPIC Illumina Bead Chip datasets, RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq, WGBS, and nanopore sequencing datasets.

You can find further information on our research group under: http://www.stemcellbiology.ukaachen.de.
Reference: Schmidt et al., Stem Cell Reports 2023 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.11.001
Identification of lineage-specific epigenetic modifications
Derivation of DNA methylation signatures for iPSC characterization
Analysis and integration of age-associated DNA methylation and histone modifications
Experimental design and analysis of nanopore sequencing data
Scientific publication of the results

Master degree in either Biology, Bioinformatics, or comparable degrees in Natural Sciences
Bioinformatic skills for DNA methylation analysis
programming languages R and optionally perl or python
Background knowledge in iPSC and or aging research
Willingness to contribute to different projects within our team
Able to communicate clearly in English and willing to work in an international team

We provide a highly interactive and well-equipped environment, in an international team, with excellent partners, and a broad spectrum of methods
The research topic is highly relevant and high quality datasets are already available
Contribution to a translational project that may result in a spin-off company
We offer performance-based remuneration in accordance with the provisions of TV-L (EG 13), including attractive public service benefits (For PhD students, the position will be funded with 65% EG13 for three years).

This position is not gender specific. The RWTH Aachen University Hospital promotes equal opportunities and diversity. If suitably qualified, people with a registered disability will receive priority.

The Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering - Institute for Stem Cell Biology - is offering a position for a

PhD student position (m/f/d) for a bioinformatician working on Epigenetics of Pluripotent Stem Cells and Aging

It can start as soon as possible and is initially limited for 3 years (TV-L E13 65%).

Within the project “PluripotencyScreen” (supported by VIP+ BMBF), we are developing an innovative quality control method for iPSC based on epigenetic characteristics. Furthermore, we aim for a better understanding of age-associated epigenetic modifications of various already available omics data (supported by DFG). We are looking for a bioinformatician with a strong background in epigenetics and focus on DNA methylation. The major task will be integration and comprehensive analysis of own and public EPIC Illumina Bead Chip datasets, RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq, WGBS, and nanopore sequencing datasets.

You can find further information on our research group under: http://www.stemcellbiology.ukaachen.de.
Reference: Schmidt et al., Stem Cell Reports 2023 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.11.001
Identification of lineage-specific epigenetic modifications
Derivation of DNA methylation signatures for iPSC characterization
Analysis and integration of age-associated DNA methylation and histone modifications
Experimental design and analysis of nanopore sequencing data
Scientific publication of the results

Master degree in either Biology, Bioinformatics, or comparable degrees in Natural Sciences
Bioinformatic skills for DNA methylation analysis
programming languages R and optionally perl or python
Background knowledge in iPSC and or aging research
Willingness to contribute to different projects within our team
Able to communicate clearly in English and willing to work in an international team

We provide a highly interactive and well-equipped environment, in an international team, with excellent partners, and a broad spectrum of methods
The research topic is highly relevant and high quality datasets are already available
Contribution to a translational project that may result in a spin-off company
We offer performance-based remuneration in accordance with the provisions of TV-L (EG 13), including attractive public service benefits (For PhD students, the position will be funded with 65% EG13 for three years).

This position is not gender specific. The RWTH Aachen University Hospital promotes equal opportunities and diversity. If suitably qualified, people with a registered disability will receive priority.