The Department of Cardiology and Pneumology of the University Medical Center Göttingen is looking for a new position for the earliest start date
PhD Student in iPSC Disease Modeling and CRISPR Gene Therapies (f/m/d)
part time , with 25 hours per week, limited to 3 years, with option for extension
Remuneration according to TV-L
The Stem Cell Unit (https://umg.eu/scu) is dedicated to advancing precision medicine by applying patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) disease models. We generate and utilize iPSCs for cutting-edge research in genome editing, cardiac differentiation, tissue engineering, and disease modeling. By combining iPSC technology with CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and state-of-the-art molecular and functional approaches, we investigate the pathophysiology of cardiomyocytes at genomic, omics, functional, and pharmacological levels. Our ultimate goal is to uncover novel mechanisms driving cardiomyopathy and heart failure and to translate these insights into personalized therapeutics and innovative CRISPR-based gene therapies.
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student who is eager to work at the interdisciplinary interface between basic research and translational medicine. In this role, you will establish advanced iPSC-based cardiac models and apply them in imaging-driven and functional high-throughput screening assays to identify novel therapeutic strategies.
Your tasks
- You will develop 2D and cardiac organoid models based on human iPSCs to study cardiovascular diseases.
- You will use CRISPR/Cas9 for the targeted genetic modification of iPSCs.
- You will produce CRISPR/Cas9-based AAV vectors for preclinical testing.
- You will establish suitable screening methods for imaging-based analysis.
- You will apply preclinical compound screenings and test AAV-based CRISPR strategies to identify novel therapeutics.
Your qualifications
- University degree (Master or equivalent) in disciplines or fields related to biology, pharmacology or biochemistry
- Strong interest in stem cell research, genome editing, gene therapies, and cardiovascular medicine.
- First hands-on experiences in human iPSC culture, CRISPR/Cas technology, and general molecular biology.
- Excellent written and spoken English; German is not required but considered an advantage.
We offer
- Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure for stem cell research, genome editing, advanced imaging, and multi-omics analyses.
- An inspiring, interdisciplinary, and international research environment with strong translational focus.
- Close collaboration with clinical and basic science groups within the University Medical Center Göttingen, Fraunhofer, and national/international consortia, as well as participation in the German Centers for Health Research (DZHK, DZNE, DZKJ).
- An attractive research location in Göttingen, a vibrant hub of biomedical and cardiovascular research in Germany.
- Support for career development, including mentoring, grant writing, leadership training, and opportunities to present at international conferences.
- A family-friendly workplace with flexible working hours.
Our goal as University Medical Center Göttingen is professional equality for all genders. We strive to equalize the gender ratio in areas where there is underrepresentation. The University Medical Center Göttingen is particularly committed to the professional participation of severely disabled people and therefore welcomes applications from severely disabled people. In the case of equal suitability, applications from severely disabled persons will be given preferential consideration in accordance with the relevant regulations. We kindly ask you to indicate a disability/equal status in your letter of application in order to safeguard your interests.
We look forward to receiving your application!
Department of Cardiology and Pneumology
Dr. Lukas Cyganek
Robert-Koch-Straße 40
37075 Göttingen
