The Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine in Münster, Germany, has an opening for a Postdoc-Position (m/f/d) in the research group Embryo Self-Correction of Dr. Mauricio Rocha-Martins. Starting immediately or upon agreement.

The Rocha Lab uses human organoids and zebrafish to explore the mechanisms underlying robust organ development. It is truly remarkable that embryos typically develop healthy organs, even though in nature they are frequently exposed to genetic and environmental stressors. The Rocha Lab subjects developing tissues to diverse stressors, including disease variants, to gain insights into how cells adapt and work together to safeguard organ formation. Using advanced live-imaging techniques, the research team closely interrogates how developing tissues “break” and “fix” themselves with the central goal of understanding how embryos build healthy organs even in conditions that could cause disease.

The Postdoc (m/f/d) will lead a project investigating the self-correction capabilities of the developing nervous system, focusing on plasticity in cell behavior and cell-cell interactions during regrowth and repair of tissue organization. The work will be strongly supported by core facilities that offer cutting-edge imaging and sequencing technologies. There will be career-building opportunities such as contributing to grant writing, participating in peer review process and mentoring students.

Your tasks

• Culture and manipulate stem cell-derived organoids to model human developmental disorders.
• Manipulate zebrafish embryo development through genome engineering methods (e.g., via CRISPR).
• Plan and execute experiments to probe robustness of tissue morphogenesis, particularly through quantitative imaging and large-scale molecular profiling (e.g., via scRNA-seq).
• Collaborate with researchers across disciplines to apply interdisciplinary approaches.

Your profile

We are looking for a qualified and highly motivated Postdoc (m/f/d) with a great interest in biological robustness to join our team.

Required:

• You possess a PhD or are close to completing your PhD in cell biology, developmental biology, stem cell biology, or a closely related field.
• You have strong communication, organizational and problem-solving skills.
• You have experience in cultivating mammalian cells or tissues, or in experimental research involving zebrafish embryos.
• You have experience in microscopy and molecular biology techniques.

Preferred:

• You have experience in advanced quantitative imaging and image analysis.
• You have expertise in genome engineering.

Our offer

• temporary employment of two years with the option of a longer-term cooperation according to the Collective Agreement for the public sector (TVöD)
• salary is in accordance with pay group 13 of the TVöD
• opportunities for internal and external training
• friendly and collegial working atmosphere
• compatibility of family and career through the possibility to arrange working hours individually and flexibly
• childcare facility (U3) at the institute
• company health management (BGM) including a work-life porta

The working language at the institute is English – but our international and German-speaking team offers all employees the opportunity to improve or maintain their German language skills and learn from each other.

Your application

To apply, please submit your application including a letter of motivation, CV and contact details of two references via our applicant portal before 08.08.2025.

For informal queries about the position, please feel free to contact Dr. Mauricio Rocha-Martins by email mrmartins@mpi-muenster.mpg.de.