Postdoctoral Researcher - Human Brain Development (m/f/d)

Overview

FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg is hiring for a neuroscience research role focused on human brain development. The position centers on glycosylation, neurodevelopment, and disease mechanisms, with a strong emphasis on advanced experimental biology and data-driven analysis.

Project focus

The research examines how sugar-based modifications of proteins influence human brain development and how these processes may be linked to disease. Depending on the level of appointment, the work may involve genome editing, neural organoid modeling, advanced imaging, proteomics, single-cell RNA sequencing, and comparative studies across human and non-human primate systems.

Position 1: Ph.D. Candidate

This track involves genetically altering iPSCs with Prime Editing and building CDG models in neural organoids. The goal is to identify the molecular pathways through which glycosylation contributes to serious neurodevelopmental disorders by combining imaging approaches with omics-based methods such as proteomics and scRNA-seq.

Position 2: Postdoctoral Researcher

This track focuses on comparing neural organoids derived from humans, chimpanzees, and macaques to understand evolutionary differences in brain glycosylation. The role includes isolating specific developing brain cell populations, applying advanced mass spectrometry, integrating imaging results, and manipulating key enzymes to determine how protein modifications shape species-specific neurodevelopment.

Profile requirements

For the Ph.D. candidate track, applicants should hold a BSc or MSc in neuroscience, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a closely related discipline. Practical laboratory experience and routine molecular biology skills are expected, along with strong analytical thinking and a clear interest in developmental biology. Helpful background includes work with iPSCs, 3D organoid systems, CRISPR/Cas9 editing, microscopy, flow cytometry, and basic bioinformatics for scRNA-seq.

For the postdoctoral track, a Ph.D. in neuroscience, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related area is required. Candidates should bring substantial hands-on experience in advanced mammalian cell culture or proteomics, be able to independently plan experiments, and be ready to move a research project forward without close supervision. Additional experience with human or primate iPSCs, neural organoids, developmental neurobiology, FACS/flow cytometry, and proteomics data analysis is advantageous.

Benefits

The university offers progression to the next pay level with salary adjustments under the German public sector framework (TV-L) or according to BayBesG, together with an additional annual bonus. The package also includes 30 days of annual leave based on a five-day workweek, plus time off on December 24 and 31.

Further advantages include occupational pension and savings schemes, strong support during academic qualification, structured doctoral programs, career development through the Graduate Center, a detailed onboarding process, team activities, subsidized meals and drinks, a workplace close to public transport, family-friendly support including childcare during school holidays, flexible working hours, extensive training options, and active health management.

Additional information

The role is based onsite in Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany. It is a full-time research position. No vacancy count, salary figure, start date, or application deadline is specified in the source.