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 scientists collaborate across disciplines to unravel the complexities of disease at the systems level – from molecules and cells to organs and entire organisms. Through strong academic, clinical, and industry partnerships, as well as global networks, we translate biological insights into innovations for early detection, individualized therapies, and disease prevention. Founded in 1992, the Max Delbrück Center is home to a vibrant community of 1,800 people from more than 70 countries. We are seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) to join the group of Prof. Maike Sander at the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in Berlin. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a deeper understanding of how transcription factors shape beta-cell maturation by applying state-of-the-art multi-omic approaches in an international, vibrant, and collaborative research environment. In a multidisciplinary effort, the Sander lab combines single-cell genomics, human stem cell models, and bioengineering approaches to investigate transcriptional and cell–cell signaling mechanisms underlying type 1 and type 2 diabetes. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will design and implement innovative research strategies using human pluripotent stem cells to generate advanced model systems for studying beta-cell maturation and failure. You will apply state-of-the-art molecular biology and tissue culture methods, along with next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, including single-cell sequencing, to interrogate transcriptional networks. A central focus of your work will be the systematic analysis and interpretation of multi-omic datasets to uncover novel regulatory mechanisms. You will independently evaluate results, formulate hypotheses, and drive projects toward publication. Job Description In addition, you will: Preparation and documentation of research findings: You will produce comprehensive progress reports, draft scientific manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, and design presentations for both national and international conferences. Presentation of scientific work: You will represent and communicate your research outcomes through talks and poster presentations at scientific meetings worldwide, thereby strengthening the international visibility of the research group. Contribution to methodological and technical innovation: You will develop and test novel technical approaches, optimize existing methods, and actively foster scientific discussions within the research environment. Engagement in collaborative projects: You will take an active role in joint research efforts, coordinate tasks with partner laboratories, and contribute to the successful implementation of interdisciplinary initiatives. Requirements We are looking for a researcher (m/f/d) with: Completed PhD: You hold a PhD in stem cell biology, molecular and cell biology, biomedical engineering, or a related discipline, with a clear and demonstrated focus on diabetes research. Experience with iPSC models and data analysis: Hands-on experience with induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models and/or the analysis of high-throughput sequencing data is highly desirable. Expertise in multi-omic data analysis: Proven skills in the systematic analysis and interpretation of complex multi-omic datasets, ideally complemented by bioinformatics approaches, are welcome. Strong interpersonal and communication skills: You bring excellent interpersonal abilities that enable effective collaboration in a multidisciplinary and international research environment. 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 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
Several internationally leading research institutions in Berlin have joined forces to establish a new Research Program for Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Human Health dedicated to advancing machine learning in biomedicine. The Program focuses on developing and applying cutting-edge AI approaches to address key challenges in molecular biology, clinical research, and translational medicine. The Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin , one of Europe’s largest university hospitals, the Berlin Institute of Health at Charité (BIH) , and the Max Delbrück Center (MDC) , in collaboration with the Berlin Institute for the Foundations of Learning and Data (BIFOLD) at Charité and the Technische Universität Berlin , are launching a joint recruitment initiative. This collaboration brings together complementary strengths to create a unique, cross-institutional research environment at the intersection of AI and the life sciences. For More Information About Participating Institutions, Please Visit https://www.charite.de/en/, https://www.bihealth.org/en/, https://www.mdc-berlin.de/ Overview Of The Position Researchers at the AI Research Program will benefit greatly from the outstanding research environment across the participating institutions. They will draw on the MDC’s l eadership in systems biology , particularly through the Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology (BIMSB); from the BIH and Charité’s deep expertise in clinical and translational research, digital health, and access to rich clinical datasets ; and from BIFOLD’s internationally recognized strengths in machine learning and data science methodologies . The Program offers a distinctive opportunity to work in close partnership with clinical directors, clinician and (bio-)medical-scientists and domain experts to pursue research questions of medical relevance. The fellowships are designed to bridge disciplines, institutions, and application domains, enabling transformative research that leverages Berlin’s unique strengths in (bio-)medical and computational science. Fellows are expected to pursue visionary and independent research, initiate collaborative projects with computational, experimental and clinical groups across the partner institutions and actively seek external funding to support their research program. The fellowship is initially awarded for a period of five years. After approximately 4 years, a peer-review process will assess the Fellow’s progress and potential. Based on this evaluation, the partner institutions may offer a long-term career perspective. Your profile We invite applications from outstanding early-career researchers in the STEM disciplines with a strong focus on interpretable machine learning and who have a strong interest in biomedicine, medical, or clinical applications. We welcome candidates with a broad range of research visions addressing health topics from integrating clinical and molecular data to elucidate molecular mechanisms, to using AI to research social and environmental factors that influence disease and healthcare. Candidates should be nearing completion of, or have already completed, a PhD. Medical doctors with additional training in the computational sciences will also be considered. Fellows will join a vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment and will benefit from strong mentorship, access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, and collaborative opportunities across the MDC, Charité, BIH, and BIFOLD. You are engaged in scientific work, and in accordance with 110 (4) sentence 3 of the BerlHG (Berlin Higher Education Act), an appropriate amount of time is granted to you for your own scientific qualification. Knowledge of the German language is not required. How to apply. Please submit the following materials on the Charité recruiting website: CV including list of publications motivational letter including a short research proposal (1-2 pages) no later than November 30th, 2025. A selection symposium will be held in Berlin mid January 2026, where shortlisted candidates will present their research and meet with representatives from the partner institutions. Our offer The partner institutions offer an attractive start-up package that includes: A competitive salary Access to three positions: AI engineers and machine learning scientist to be appointed by the AI Fellows and shared across the program Access to different IT infrastructures, including Charité, BIH and Helmholtz high- performance computing infrastructures An annual budget for research consumables Dedicated administrative support Comprehensive onboarding support for relocation to Berlin Information regarding the position Paygrade E15 according to TVöD VKA-K. Your job grade depends on your job qualification whereas the experience level depends on the number of working years. The yearly gross salary is hereby provided based on a full time position excluding yearly bonus and additional pay. You may find further information here Working hours: 38,5 hours per week The position is limited for 5 years, as it is tied to the project duration 30 days of paid vacation per year The application period ends on: November 30th, 2025 Position ID: 5880