PhD Student (f/m/x) in Chronic Neuroinflammation in Neurodegenerative Diseases 1525/2026/2

Organisation/Company Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen Research Field Neurosciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 3 Apr 2026 - 08:03 (UTC) Country Germany Type of Contract To be defined Job Status Other Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Area of research:

PHD Thesis

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join our research group at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, Munich in the Campus Großhadern.

Investigate mechanisms of chronic neuroinflammation in neurodegeneration, with a particular emphasis on microglia biology, long-term epigenetic reprogramming in microglial cells, and microglia–T cell interactions.

Using state-of-the-art approaches including single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, functional imaging, and epigenetic profiling.

Work with mouse models of neurodegeneration (ALS and PD).

Contribute to collaborative research with computational and clinical partners.

Help define how microglia retain pathological memory and drive long-term brain dysfunction

Master’s degree in neuroscience, immunology, molecular biology, or a related field.

Enthusiasm for mechanistic in vivo and ex vivo research.

Experience with neuroimmunology, mouse work, imaging, or omics technologies is an advantage but not a must.

Curious, ambitious, and collaborative scientist.

Enjoys working in an interdisciplinary and international team

We offer a stimulating research environment within the DZNE, the SyNergy Cluster, with access to advanced imaging platforms, single-cell and spatial multiomics pipelines, high-performance computing, and close interaction with international experts. The PhD student will be embedded in structured graduate training programs at GSN and benefit from excellent supervision,career development support, and opportunities for conference participation and international exchange.

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.