Postdoctoral researcher (m/f/d)

Facts & figures

Workplace

MDC Berlin-Buch

Salary

Remuneration will be according to the TVöD Bund, depending on the personal requirements, up to the fee group E13.

Desired starting date

May 01, 2026

Limitation

Fixed Term
The position is fixed-term until 31/12/2027.

Team

SynTra Applikationslabor

Application Period

April 25, 2026

Employment volume

Full Time

The Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association aims to transform tomorrow’s medicine through our discoveries of today. At locations in Berlin-Buch, Berlin-Mitte, Heidelberg and Mannheim, our researchers harness interdisciplinary collaboration to decipher the complexities of disease at the systems level – from molecules and cells to organs and the entire organism. Through academic, clinical, and industry partnerships, as well as global networks, we strive to translate biological discoveries into applications that enable the early detection of deviations from health, personalize treatment, and ultimately prevent disease. First founded in 1992, the Max Delbrück Center today inspires and nurtures a diverse talent pool of 1,800 people from over 70 countries. We are 90 percent funded by the German federal government and 10 percent by the state of Berlin.

We are looking for a highly motivated and committed postdoctoral researcher for an exciting position in a molecular biology laboratory at the interface between basic research and clinical application. Our aim is to develop innovative methods for the cost-effective production of personalised gene therapies using non-viral gene transfer. The research project is geared towards a future spin-off and offers you the opportunity to be part of a promising biotech start-up from the very beginning, so an entrepreneurial mindset is essential for this position.

Job Description

• Development and optimization of non-viral gene transfer systems
• Production and validation of gene vectors in vitro
• Establishment of protocols for T-cell manipulation
• Independent planning, execution, and analysis of experiments
• Contribution to the automation of laboratory processes
• Building and maintaining partnerships with industry partners
• Supporting project goals and preparing for a potential spin-off

Requirements

• PhD in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology or related field.
• Sound knowledge of standard molecular biology techniques (Western blot, PCR, qPCR, flow cytometry, cloning).
• Good knowledge of nucleotide and organic chemistry.
• Strong interest in laboratory automation.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and behaviour.
• Experience in isolation and culture of primary T cells from PBMCs is an advantage.
• Experience with liquid handling systems and Python programming skills are an advantage.
• Passionate about science communication and cultivating collaborative relationships with industry professionals.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• A good command of German is an advantage.

We offer

• international working environment with communication in English and German
• interesting career opportunities and a range of opportunities for further qualification and training
• Compatibility of family and career certified by the workandfamily audit (“berufundfamilie audit”)
• Support for "New Berliners" through the MDC Welcome & Family Office

We offer:

• An exciting project at the interface of basic research and clinical application.
• State-of-the-art laboratory facilities and a dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment.
• The opportunity to take innovative therapeutic approaches from development to clinical application.
• The chance to become part of an emerging biotech start-up.

You also benefit from:

• a remuneration in accordance with the collective agreement for the federal public service (TVöD-Bund), including additional company pension schemes
• flexible working hours and childcare support
• an idyllic green campus, which is easily accessible by bicycle, public transport or car
• free use of Nextbike from the Buch S-Bahn station to the campus
• subsidy for the job ticket, as well as discounts in the campus canteen
• on-campus health and fitness center
• additional health benefits such as flu vaccination, eye test, ergonomics advice at the workplace

Please get in touch with any questions

Michael Fichtner
SynTra Applikationslabor
[email protected]