The IUF – Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine investigates the molecular mechanisms by which environmental factors—including particles, radiation, and chemical exposures—affect human health. The institute’s research focuses on environmentally induced aging and disease processes in the pulmonary system and skin, as well as environmentally driven dysfunctions of the nervous and immune systems. By developing innovative, human-relevant experimental model systems, the IUF contributes to improved environmental risk assessment and to the identification of novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of environmentally induced health damage.
This position is part of a DFG-funded collaborative research project between the IUF (Dr. Andrea Rossi) and the Institute of Human Genetics at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU)/University Hospital Düsseldorf (UKD) (Prof. Alessandro Prigione). The successful candidate will be integrated into both research groups and benefit from the complementary expertise of the two institutions. The employment contract will be with the IUF for the first 18 months and will subsequently transfer to the University Hospital Düsseldorf (UKD) for the remaining 18 months.
We are seeking applicants for a
PhD position (m/f/d),
on a 3-year fixed-term contract
The position will be based at the IUF and UKD and is expected to start on October 1st, 2026.
The successful candidate will contribute to the DFG-funded project:
„Decoding the Remodeling of Mitochondrial DNA in Human Pluripotent Stem Cells and Differentiated Neurons.“
Mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are a major cause of inherited mitochondrial diseases and also contribute to common, late-onset diseases such as neurodegeneration, diabetes, and cancer. How mtDNA heteroplasmy evolves during cell fate transitions in the human body—particularly during the reprogramming of somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) and during the differentiation of iPS cells into neurons—is still poorly understood. This project aims to decipher the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern the dynamics of mtDNA heteroplasmy in human pluripotent stem cells and differentiated neurons, as well as to identify modulators that can be used to improve iPSC-based disease modeling and propose new therapeutic strategies for mtDNA-related diseases.
The project combines state-of-the-art human iPSC technology (reprogramming of patient-derived fibroblasts, neuronal differentiation into iNeurons, organoid models) with high-precision long-read sequencing of mtDNA (PacBio Onso), single-cell analysis, the in-house Mitopore bioinformatics pipeline, and hypothesis-driven small-molecule screening. The Ph.D. student will benefit from the complementary expertise of the two laboratories: The Prigione Lab (HHU) is internationally recognized for modeling mitochondrial and neurological diseases using human iPS cells, while the Rossi Lab (IUF) possesses in-depth expertise in the fields of genome editing, mtDNA biology, cellular environmental resilience, and computational analysis of mtDNA variants.
Qualifications
We are seeking a highly motivated candidate (w/m/d) with a strong background in molecular and cell biology. Substantial hands-on experience with mammalian cell cultures is required; experience with human pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs/ESCs), neuronal differentiation, organoids, or genome editing (CRISPR/Cas9) is a strong plus. Knowledge of mitochondrial biology and/or data analysis from next-generation sequencing (including basic knowledge of the command line and bioinformatics) is highly desirable.
The candidate is expected to work independently and, in close coordination with both laboratories, take responsibility for the day-to-day management of his or her research project. The project includes regular interaction between the two laboratories and joint supervision by Dr. Andrea Rossi and Prof. Alessandro Prigione. Excellent communication skills in English are required; practical knowledge of German is welcome but not mandatory.
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
Isolation and characterization of human iPSC lines from healthy donors and patients with mtDNA mutations
Differentiation of iPSCs into neurons (iNeurons) and other relevant cell lines
Conducting mtDNA heteroplasmy analyses using long-read sequencing (PacBio Onso) and contributing to the further development of the Mitopore pipeline
Application of molecular biology and genome editing techniques (plasmid cloning, CRISPR/Cas9, AAV vector production, electroporation, qPCR, RT-PCR, nucleic acid extraction, gel electrophoresis, Western blotting, immunofluorescence)
Contributing to the design and execution of small-molecule screens to identify modulators of mtDNA heteroplasmy
Independently analyzing data, critically evaluating results, and presenting findings in lab meetings, seminars, and at international conferences
Contributing to scientific publications, regulatory documents, and reports to the funding agency
Maintaining accurate and well-organized records of experimental work
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Master’s degree (or equivalent) in biology, biotechnology, biomedicine, molecular medicine, biochemistry, or a related field
Practical experience with mammalian cell cultures is required
Experience with iPS cells, ex vivo models, organoids, or neuronal differentiation is strongly preferred
Proven proficiency in standard molecular biology techniques (cloning, qPCR, Western blot, immunostaining)
Experience with NGS data analysis, mtDNA sequencing, or general bioinformatics is an asset
Very good knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Strong oral and written communication skills in English are required
DESIRED KEY COMPETENCIES
Self-motivated, highly organized, with a meticulous approach to work and attention to detail
Positive “can-do” attitude, responsible and responsive, with high ethical standards and reliability
Strong quantitative and analytical skills, able to draw rational conclusions from complex data
Highly effective both when working independently and as part of an inter-institutional team
Ability to evaluate, analyze, and interpret data, as well as prepare project updates, presentations, and research reports for publication
The position is for a total of three years. Employment will initially be with the IUF for the first 18 months and will subsequently transfer to the University Hospital Düsseldorf (UKD) for the remaining 18 months. The weekly working time totals 25 hours and 54 minutes. Remuneration is given in accordance with the provisions of the collective agreement for the employees of the states (TV-L). Salary will be according to TV-L (E13, 65%).
We promote equal opportunities and diversity. Women are particularly invited to apply and will be given preferential consideration in accordance with the LGG NRW. Applications from people with severe disabilities and their peers are also expressly encouraged.
Please address your application (incl. letter of motivation, CV, references, qualification certificates), preferably electronically, with the reference “285E/26 DFG-Mito PhD Position” in the subject line to
[email protected] and
[email protected]
Dr. Andrea Rossi/Prof. Dr. Alessandro Prigione
IUF – Leibniz-Institut für umweltmedizinische Forschung
c/o Personalstelle
Auf’m Hennekamp 50
40225 Düsseldorf
[email protected]
Application documents submitted by post are not returned. Documents for applicants not considered are destroyed appropriately once the procedure is complete.
Job offer as PDF download
