PhD Candidate (3-year contract) We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated individual for a PhD position in the team of Dr. Zsuzsanna Izsvák, Head of the Mobile DNA Laboratory at the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association Society, Berlin, Germany. The Max Delbrück Center is one of the world's leading biomedical research institutions. Our common goal is that we want to understand the molecular basis of health and disease and bring our discoveries to patients as quickly as possible - for better prevention, diagnostics and treatment. The Mobile DNA Laboratory forms an effective bridge between basic research on the non- coding genome and transposable elements, also the technological implementation of state of art gene transfer and stem cell technologies for clinical application. The position will involve the use of cutting-edge, including high-throughput techniques in molecular and cell biology. There are currently three exciting research programs: 1)Investigating/testing the "Unwanted transcript hypothesis": https://www.mdc-berlin.de/research/publications/selection-synonymous-sites-unwanted-transcript-hypothesis 2)"Repurposed retroviral sequences for human physiology" 3)Sleeping Beauty transposon-based technology platform Candidates need to have a solid background in Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Molecular and/or Cellular Biology, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics and/or demonstrated prior experience in the broader area of research of non-coding, transposable elements or artificial intelligence (A.I.), which is most welcome. If you have an excellent background in biological sciences and enjoy intellectual challenges, feel free to send in your application. Furthermore, applicants should have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as first-rate organizational skills. In addition, first-class written and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability work excellently as part of a team, are required. Please check the website of Dr. Izsvák's Mobile DNA group for more information, also on recent publications and the current projects being carried out in the lab: https://www.mdc-berlin.de/izsvak The funds for this post are available for 36 months at present. The expected start date is around 1st June 2024. Kindly send your informal enquiries and applications to Dr. Zsuzsanna Izsvák: zizsvak@mdc-berlin.de Berlin, Germany, March 2024 The Mobile DNA Laboratory values diversity and is committed to providing equal opportunity. The Max Delbrück Center in Berlin has a responsibility to guarantee the egalitarian treatment of its employees.Eligibility both to reside and work in Germany are a prerequisite of the hiring process. Laurence D. Hurst Professor of Evolutionary Genetics The Milner Centre for Evolution University of Bath Bath Somerset, UK BA2 7AY Tel: +44 (0)1225 386424 Fax: +44 (0)1225 386779 Email:l.d.hurst@bath.ac.uk Website:http://people.bath.ac.uk/bssldh/LaurenceDHurst/Home.html Twitter: @MilnerCentre Laurence Hurst (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)