Two Postdoctoral Positions (m/f/d) | Transposable elements and mammalian development

The Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics in Freiburg (Germany) has openings for two postdoctoral positions in the research group Transposable elements and mammalian development of Dr. Juliane Glaser.

The positions are initially limited for two years. We actively support the candidates in applying for third-party funding (e.g., EMBO, HFSP, MSCA, Alexander von Humboldt, DFG Walter Benjamin). The starting date is flexible, between July and December 2026.

The Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics (MPI-IE) in Freiburg, Germany, is an interdisciplinary research institution that conducts basic research in two key areas of modern biology: Immunobiology and Epigenetics. Central questions address the molecular basis of cell type identities, as they are regulated during immune cell differentiation, metabolic response and epigenetic chromatin adaptation.

Your tasks

• Independently drive your own research project, fitting the scope of the lab to tackle how transposable elements are contributing to mammalian embryonic development in health and disease
• Analyze and interpret scientific data
• Adapt existing methodologies and develop new approaches in the lab
• Develop original research ideas aligned with the lab’s vision
• Guide and supervise students (from Bachelor’s to PhD level)
• Present research findings at lab meetings, institute seminars, and international conferences
• Collaborate with researchers within and outside the Institute
• Embed the principles of mutual respect, equality, diversity, inclusivity, and sustainability in all aspects of your work

Your Qualifications

• Academic degree in life science including PhD in biology, bioinformatics or related fields
• Ability to work independently on research activities and actively contribute to scientific discussions and new research ideas
• Excellent communication skills in English
• Demonstrated experience contributing to scientific publications and presentations
• Highly motivated scientist with a passion for developmental biology, strong team spirit, and enthusiasm for working in a diverse research environment

The candidate must have at least one of the following experiences

• Experience working on transposable elements and/or computational analysis of repetitive sequences
• Experience in experimental embryology
• Experience with microscopy and image analysis
• Experience with genomics datasets

We offer

• Payment according to TVöD up to a maximum of E13 if the collectively agreed and personal requirements are fulfilled
• Social benefits in line with public service (VBL)
• Additional performance-related remuneration component
• Professional training and development opportunities
• Good public transport connections and a subsidy for a job ticket
• Challenging work in a modern working environment
• Mobile working at a location of your choice within Germany is possible up to a maximum of 40% of the regular weekly working hours in justified cases.
• Catering provided by the institute's own cafeteria on site and shopping facilities within walking distance
• Dual-Career-Support and Welcome-Service
• Family-friendly offers (affiliated day care center at the institute, parent-child room, breastfeeding room)

We value and promote diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities, so we welcome applications from all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from severely disabled people. We would also like to increase the proportion of women in areas where they are underrepresented and therefore expressly encourage women to apply.

Application deadline

Have we sparked your interest? Please apply with your complete application documents (letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, certificates, contact information of at least two references) via our online application portal until 06th March 2026 .

Max Planck Institute for Immunobiology and Epigenetics

HR Department

Stübeweg 51

79108 Freiburg

Germany