PhD Candidate (Doctoral Researcher): Epigenetics, Stem Cell Biology & CRISPR Functional Genomics
Start date
zum nächstmöglichen Zeitpunkt
Application deadline
19.02.2026
Jobcode
6258
Salary group
E13
Working at Charité
A PhD position is available starting 01.02.2026 at the Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology at Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin (AG Kühnen), associated with the ERC-funded project “E-VarEndo”. Our group studies rare endocrine and metabolic diseases, with a focus on epigenetic mechanisms regulating body weight and thyroid hormone-dependent brain development. Using human embryonic stem cells (hESC) and induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC), we investigate how genetic and epigenetic variation shape hormonally regulated molecular pathways. The PhD project will examine how epigenetic variability-including metastable epialleles and transposable elements-affects neuronal gene function and metabolic disease risk, using state-of-the-art multi-omics approaches and CRISPR-based epigenetic editing. We are therefore seeking a motivated doctoral researcher eager to apply cutting-edge stem cell and sequencing technologies to understand early developmental origins of endocrine and metabolic disorders.
Overview of the position
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform human stem cell culture, including naïve conversion, formative state induction, and differentiation into disease-relevant cell types such as hypothalamic neurons.
- Conduct CRISPR/Cas9 gene and epigenome editing experiments targeting methylation variants identified in human data.
- Perform cell-based assays, including transfection, reporter assays, immunostaining, and functional readouts.
- Prepare samples for methylome analysis
- Carry out FACS-based cell sorting, molecular analyses (RNA/DNA isolation, qPCR), and support with downstream data collection for multi-omics datasets.
- Document experiments, analyze results, and participate in scientific discussions and presentations.
What we are looking for
- We are looking for an enthusiastic, talented and motivated PhD candidate with a positive mindset and the capacity work independently but with great team spirit.
- Master’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, genetics, or a related field.
- Solid laboratory experience and strong motivation to expand technical skills.
- Experience in cell culture, molecular biology, or genome engineering is an advantage.
- Skills in bioinformatics are highly appreciated.
- Ability to learn new techniques rapidly and work proactively in a dynamic and collaborative team.
- Interest in epigenetics, early development, or metabolism is welcome
Charité offers you
- Eine hoch professionelle Zusammenarbeit in einem motivierten und interdisziplinären Team
- Eine zukunftsorientierte, abwechslungsreiche und anspruchsvolle Tätigkeit mit hoher Eigenverantwortung und persönlichem Handlungsspielraum
- Umfangreiche kostenfreie Fort- und Weiterbildungsmöglichkeiten bis hin zum Studium
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Information regarding the position
- Entgeltgruppe E13 TVöD VKA-K. Hier finden Sie alle Informationen zum Gehalt und Tarifvertrag
- Die Arbeitszeit beträgt 25,03 Wochenstunden (Teilzeit).
- Die Position ist bis zum 31.01.2028 befristet, da sie an die Projektlaufzeit gebunden ist
- Bei uns sind 30 Tage Urlaub Standard
- Die Bewerbungsfrist endet am: 19.02.2026
- Kennziffer: 6258
Application
Everyone is welcome at the Charité, regardless of age, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, disability, ethnic or social background. We are committed to equal opportunities and inclusion.
Apply using our online tool and become part of the Charité.
Apply nowIf you have questions, please contact:
Susanne Dessel
susanne.dessel@charite.de
More information
Data protection information
The Charité would like to point out that personal data is stored and processed at various locations at the Charité premises (e.g. specialty department, personnel representatives, HR department) as part of and for the purposes of the application process. Furthermore, the data may be transferred or processed within the group and to external bodies (e.g. authorities) to protect legitimate interests. By submitting your application, you agree to our data protection policy and terms of use for application procedures, which you can find here.
Additional information
Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin makes its personnel decisions based on suitability, ability and professional performance. The Charité aims to increase the proportion of women in management positions and therefore strongly encourages women to apply. Women with equivalent qualifications will be given priority within the scope of legal possibilities. Applications from people with a migration background who meet the recruitment requirements are expressly encouraged. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualifications will be given preference. A police good-conduct certificate, in some cases an extended good-conduct certificate, is required at the time of recruitment. Unfortunately, application documents can be returned only if a sufficiently stamped envelope is enclosed. Any incurred travel expenses cannot be reimbursed.