Ph.D. Position in RNA/Protein Biochemistry and Molecular Biology to study Genetic Compensation

Posted on January 5th, 2026

A highly motivated candidate is invited to join new projects to address fundamental questions in Genetic Compensation and Transcriptional Adaptation at the Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research in Bad Nauheim (near Frankfurt, Germany), Department of Developmental Genetics (Stainier lab).

We have recently discovered a new form of genetic compensation that we have termed transcriptional adaptation.  Briefly, transcriptional adaptation occurs when a premature termination codon leads to mutant mRNA decay.  The decay fragments in turn modulate the expression of related genes, and consequently varying degrees of phenotypic rescue in some cases.  We have observed this phenomenon in zebrafish, mouse, C. elegans, and more recently humans.

This is a novel and quickly developing field of research where many open questions remain to be addressed including 1) the nature and trafficking of the mRNA decay fragments, and 2) the regulation of related genes by the decay fragments, or their derivatives.  For more detailed information please see our recent publications: (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-019-1064-z; https://www.nature.com/articles/nature14580; https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08539-x)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
A Master in biology, biochemistry, genetics or a similar subject with a focus on molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry and/or genetics.
Knowledge of RNA and/or protein biochemistry and molecular biology is a plus. 

ABOUT THE EMPLOYER:
The Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research in Bad Nauheim is an interdisciplinary research institution with international flair.  Our researchers have the opportunity to work on various model systems by making use of the latest cutting-edge technologies.  Researchers are supported by state-of-the-art core facilities which offer services in next generation sequencing, proteomics, bioinformatics, cytometry, microscopy, and small animal imaging.

The Max Planck Society strives for gender and diversity equality; we welcome applications from all backgrounds.  Furthermore, the Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.

HOW TO APPLY:
For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Didier Stainier.  To apply, please submit the names and contact information for 2-3 references, a CV, and a short statement (2 pages max.) of your research experience and interests to [email protected].  In addition, an application should be submitted to our International Max Planck Research School for Molecular Organ Biology (IMPRS-MOB) (https://imprs-mob.mpg.de/18130/application).