PhD Position: RNP Granules in ALS Pathogenesis – Biomolecular Condensates at TU Dresden Technische Universität Dresden in Germany

Technische Universität Dresden, a University of Excellence, invites applications for a PhD position in the DFG-funded Research Training Group RTG 3120, "Biomolecular Condensates: From Physics to Biological Functions." The position is hosted at the Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), within the Chair of iPS Cells and Neurodegenerative Diseases led by Prof. Dr. Jared Sterneckert. This interdisciplinary program offers a vibrant research environment at the interface of physics, biology, and biomedical engineering, focusing on the role of biomolecular condensates in cellular function and disease.

The PhD project aims to characterize the role of ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Motor neurons (MNs) rely on RNP granules for local mRNA translation, and alterations in these granules are linked to ALS and MN degeneration. The research will utilize iPSC-derived MNs, FUS-eGFP reporter lines for live-cell imaging, and microfluidic devices to study axonal RNP granules and neuromuscular junctions. Key questions include how RNP granules maintain individualized mRNA cargo, regulate protein exchange, and prevent fusion to preserve mRNA separation. Advanced techniques such as dCas13d-mediated proximity labeling and pulse-chase experiments will be employed to identify protein-mRNA interactions and assess granule dynamics. The project also explores therapeutic strategies using oligonucleotide "bait RNAs" to reverse ALS pathogenesis.

The successful candidate will join a world-leading research community embedded in the CMCB, which includes the B CUBE Center for Molecular Bioengineering, the Biotechnology Center (BIOTEC), and CRTD. The campus is highly interdisciplinary, with close links to the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), the Medical Theoretical Center (MTZ), the Carl Gustav Carus University Clinic, and the Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG). Research topics span cell biology, genomics, biophysics, tissue engineering, bioinformatics, and regenerative medicine, bridging fundamental science and clinical applications.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Biology or a related field, with experience in cell culture highly desired. Candidates should demonstrate strong motivation, multidisciplinary thinking, excellent communication and social skills, and fluency in English. The position is remunerated according to salary group E 13 TV-L (65% of full-time weekly hours), initially limited until March 31, 2030, with possible extension depending on funding. The program offers structured training, close mentoring, access to advanced infrastructure, and integration into an international scientific network.

Applications from women and candidates with disabilities are strongly encouraged. Please submit your application (CV, cover letter, academic achievements/publications, degree certificates/transcripts, and contact information for at least two referees) by January 15, 2026, preferably via the TUD SecureMail Portal as a single PDF to [email protected]. For more information about the research group, visit https://tud.link/vprn and about the RTG program at https://dresdencondensates.org.