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.

The Technology Platform Pluripotent Stem Cells at the Max Delbrück Center (MDC), in collaboration with the Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), is offering a postdoctoral research position in stem cell biology, bioengineering, germ cell differentiation, and species conservation.

This position is part of an exciting initiative applying cutting-edge reproductive and stem cell technologies to species conservation. It focuses on two endangered mammals:

1. The Northern White Rhinoceros (NWR), a species on the brink of extinction, as part of the BioRescue project.
2. The Bavarian Pine Vole (Microtus bavaricus), an endemic and critically endangered rodent, offering a unique model system for developing and refining conservation techniques, including tetraploid complementation assays.

Job Description

Project overview:
The successful candidate (m/f/d) will develop advanced reproductive technologies to generate gametes and embryos from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and explore novel approaches for conservation. The two key focus areas are:

1. Northern White Rhinoceros (NWR) – BioRescue Project
The BioRescue project is an international collaboration aimed at rescuing the functionally extinct NWR through assisted reproductive technologies. The goal is to generate embryos from natural and iPSC-derived gametes and transfer them into surrogate Southern White Rhinos. The postdoctoral researcher (m/f/d) will derive and optimize differentiation protocols for germ cells and embryos and apply CRISPR-based genome editing strategies to enhance functionality.

2. Bavarian Pine Vole – A Model for Species Conservation
The Bavarian Pine Vole is one of the rarest mammals in Europe, with only a few remaining populations.
This project aims to leverage iPSC technology for conservation, creating a reproducible model system for endangered small mammals. In addition to in vitro gamete and embryo generation, the study will explore tetraploid complementation assays—a powerful method to test stem cell pluripotency and generate viable offspring from stem cell-derived embryos.
By refining these methods in a small, fast-breeding species, we aim to establish a scalable approach to species conservation.

Key responsibilities:

• develop and optimize differentiation protocols for iPSC-derived germ cells and embryos in both large (NWR) and small (Bavarian Pine Vole) mammals.
• perform CRISPR-based genome editing to enhance functionality of stem cell-derived gametes.
• derive and characterize new iPSC lines from NWR and Bavarian Pine Vole specimens and functionally compare them with embryonic stem cells if possible.
• explore tetraploid complementation assays as a potential method for producing viable offspring from iPSC-derived embryos.
• supervise technicians performing gene editing and cell differentiation experiments.
• troubleshoot and refine methodologies to increase efficiency and robustness.
• summarize research findings, prepare manuscripts, and present data in group meetings.

Requirements

Who we are looking for:
The ideal candidate (/m/f/d) is an independent, highly motivated researcher with a strong background in stem cell biology or developmental biology. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in cell culture techniques, molecular biology, gene editing (CRISPR), and in vitro differentiation methodologies.

Essential qualifications:

• Ph.D. in stem cell biology, bioengineering, developmental biology, or a related field (or near completion)
• minimum of 5 years of experience in stem cell research or a related discipline
• strong experience with pluripotent stem cell culture and differentiation protocols
• hands-on expertise in CRISPR genome editing and vector cloning procedures
• solid understanding of germ cell differentiation and/or in vitro fertilization techniques
• familiarity with tetraploid complementation assays and/or embryonic development methods
• ability to troubleshoot experiments and develop scientific workflows independently
• strong organizational and team collaboration skills
• willingness to work under biosafety level 2 conditions
weekend work around once a month necessary

Preferred qualifications:

• experience in iPSC-derived gamete differentiation and functional assays
• background in functional analysis of embryonic development
• experience mentoring junior scientists and technicians

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

You also benefit from:

• a dynamic, interdisciplinary team at the intersection of stem cell biology and conservation science
• access to state-of-the-art facilities and technologies
• the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking conservation projects with real-world impact
• a remuneration in accordance with the collective agreement for the federal public service (TVöD-Bund), including additional company pension schemes
• flexible working hours and a collaborative research environment
• the possibility of mobile working
• 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