The Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, W. G. Kerckhoff Institute, Bad Nauheim, Research Group Cellular Resilience (Group leader: Dr. Karin Ziegler) is seeking, at the earliest possible date, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (f/m/d), Reference No. 2026_08

The Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research in Bad Nauheim is an internationally renowned research institute. It conducts basic research primarily in the field of the cardiovascular system and organ biology. The institute currently comprises three departments, several independent research groups, and central scientific service groups. A total of approximately 380 people are currently employed at the institute.

Job Description

How do sympathetic ganglia sense cardiovascular stress and reprogram themselves - adaptively or maladaptively - in disease? This position offers intellectual leadership of independent research projects using cutting-edge multi-omics to uncover novel mechanisms of sympathetic dysfunction in heart disease and hypertension. You will lead discovery-driven research designed to identify therapeutic targets for restoring autonomic balance.

Your responsibilities

• Lead independent research projects on sympathetic remodeling; own project conception, experimental strategy, and publication preparation as first author
• Apply and troubleshoot advanced single-cell and spatial transcriptomics; become a technical expert the group relies upon
• Conduct rigorous multi-omics data analysis using R or Python; generate publication-quality findings

Your qualifications

• A strong track record of scientific accomplishments is essential
• Prior hands-on experience in next generation sequencing (including single-cell or single-nucleus RNA sequencing) is highly desirable
• Familiarity with programming languages such as R or Python for data analysis is beneficial
• Expertise in RNA biology, neurophysiology, or neuroimmunology will be considered a strong advantage
• Excellent communication skills in English
• Ability to work effectively in a team and think creatively are highly valued
• Experience supervising or mentoring junior lab members (e.g., master’s or undergraduate students) is a strong asset and reflects the collaborative spirit we foster in our group

Our offer

We offer an inclusive and supportive work environment for talented and motivated individuals who are eager to learn and grow with us. Compensation and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Civil Service (TVöD-Bund).

The Max Planck Society is committed to increase the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, The Max Planck Society strives for gender and diversity equality. We welcome applications from all backgrounds

Your application

If you are interested, please submit your complete application materials via our online portal, including:

• Research Statement (1 page, single-spaced): Briefly describe your interest in sympathetic/autonomic dysfunction research, why our lab is a good fit for your career goals, and one specific research question you would be excited to pursue in this position
• Curriculum Vitae with publication list and technical skills clearly highlighted
• Cover Letter (optional): Brief professional letter introducing yourself
• PhD Diploma or Degree Certificate and transcripts (if available)
• Reference Contact Information: Names and email addresses of 2–3 references (preferably PhD advisor, postdoctoral mentor, and/or collaborator)

The deadline for applications is 08.02.2026