PhD Candidate (f/m/x) – Organelle Biology and Proteomics in Cardiometabolic Disease

PhD Candidate Organelle Biology and Proteomics in Cardiometabolic Disease

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 Research Unit Cellular Proteomics and Metabolic Signaling (headed by Dr. Natalie Krahmer) at the Institute for Diabetes and Obesity (IDO) develops and applies organelle-resolved proteomic workflows to investigate the cellular processes underlying the development of cardiometabolic diseases.

The PhD position is based in the Research Unit and will be part of the Integrated Research Training Group (iRTG) of the German Research Foundation-funded Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) 1774 “Cardio-Diabetes Crosstalk (CARDDIAB).”

CRC 1774 investigates how key metabolic organs—including adipose tissue, bone marrow, the intestine, and the liver—communicate with the cardiovascular system and thereby influence the transition from health to prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. By combining deeply characterized patient cohorts with state-of-the-art multi-omics technologies, advanced imaging, data science, and artificial intelligence, the CRC aims to uncover the mechanisms underlying cardiometabolic diseases and develop new precision-medicine approaches at the interface of diabetes and cardiovascular research.

You will conduct interdisciplinary projects spanning basic, translational, and clinical research. The programme focuses on inter-organ communication, metabolic regulation, inflammation, cellular energy metabolism, and the cardiovascular complications of diabetes within a highly collaborative and international research environment.

Your project will examine how cellular organelle organization and metabolic signaling pathways are altered during the development of cardiometabolic disease. You will combine biochemical and cell biological approaches with state-of-the-art mass spectrometry-based proteomics, phosphoproteomics, lipidomics, and computational data analysis.

Your Tasks

• Investigate the organization of cellular organelles and metabolic signaling pathways in cellular and mouse models of metabolic diseases
• Perform biochemical and cell biological characterization of protein localization and organelle interactions
• Apply and further develop cutting-edge proteomics workflows based on mass spectrometry
• Collect, analyze, and integrate proteomics, phosphoproteomics, and lipidomics data

  Your Profile

  • University degree (diploma or master's) in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field in the natural sciences
  • Knowledge of standard molecular and biochemical methods
  • Great interest in proteomics, cell biology, metabolism, and bioinformatics
  • Experience with mammalian cell lines and a willingness to work with mice
  • Ability to integrate into an international work environment as a flexible and responsible team player
  • Excellent written and spoken English skills
  • You must meet all requirements for enrollment as a doctoral student at the Technical University of Munich

    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.

    Managing Director Mike Frieser:

    “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.”

    Get to know us

    Benefits

    • Scientific Training: Helmholtz Munich Graduate School
    • Career counseling: Career Center for PhD candidates
    • Scientific Resources: State-of-the-art infrastructure 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?

      If you have any questions, feel free to contact Philipp Melander, who will be happy to help. Our recruiting is decentralized – your application will be reviewed directly by the specialist department in which you could work in the future. More information about our application process Please send your application only via our online application tool and with the following documents:

      • 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 at the latest by the time you start work. 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. In case of equal qualifications, preference will be given to applicants with severe disabilities.

        Learn more about diversity at Helmholtz Munich

        Our Commitment

        Helmholtz Munich Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH) Institute for Diabetes and Obesity Ingolstädter Landstraße 1 85764 Neuherberg