Ph.D. Position: Decoding Cellular Conversations: time-resolved transcriptomics for Cellular Communication and Cell Plasticityommunikation und Zellplastizität (m/w/d)

21.01.2026, Wissenschaftliches Personal

Are you interested in combining modern omics analyses and synthetic biology for non-destructive, longitudinal transcriptome analysis? Would you like to investigate cell communication and plasticity using innovative methods? Then apply for this doctoral position in the BioSysteM cluster for synthetic biology in Munich, at the interface of synthetic biology, transcriptomics, and organoid technology.

Our team (westmeyerlab.org ) at the Munich School of Bioengineering (TUM) and Helmholtz Munich develops novel synthetic biology tools for longitudinal cellular interrogation. We have developed methods that allow cells to autonomously export transcriptomic information at multiple timepoints, enabling researchers to track dynamic changes in gene expression during cell-to-cell communication, and cellular plasticity—all without destroying the sample. (https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(25)00288-0 , https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.11.11.622832v1 ). 

This position offers the unique opportunity to apply and further develop these innovative reporter systems while addressing fundamental questions in cellular neuroscience and regenerative medicine.

• An excellent and recent Master's degree in computational biology, synthetic biology, bioinformatics, biophysics, biochemistry, or related fields
  
• Strong interest in combining synthetic biology with -omics technologies to study dynamic cellular processes
• Experience or keen interest in transcriptomics analysis, molecular biology, advanced cloning, and mammalian cell culture
  
• Computational skills for data analysis are highly valued
  
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team of bioengineers, neuroscientists, and data scientists
• Excellent English communication and organizational skills
  
• Openness to collaborate with partners within the BioSysteM cluster and international institutions such as Caltech, MIT, University of Washington.

• Access to cutting-edge synthetic biology tools and omics technologies
• Integration into the new BioSysteM cluster, a vibrant collaborative environment for synthetic biology in Munich
  
• State-of-the-art infrastructure at TUM and Helmholtz Munich
  
• Competitive salary according to TV-L E13 (75%)

As soon as possible

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) combines top-class facilities for cutting-edge research with unique learning opportunities. It is committed to finding solutions to the major challenges facing society. All this combines to make it one of Europe's leading universities.

Applications from disabled persons with essentially the same qualifications will be given preference. TUM strives to raise the proportion of women in its workforce and explicitly encourages applications from qualified women.

Please send your letter of motivation and complete CV to ga49qal@mytum.de .

When applying for a position at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), you will be submitting personal data. Please note our privacy policy in accordance with Art. 13 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) https://portal.mytum.de/kompass/datenschutz/Bewerbung/ regarding the collection and processing of personal data in connection with your application. By submitting your application, you confirm that you have read and understood TUM's privacy policy.

Find out more about us: www.tum.de

The position is suitable for disabled persons. Disabled applicants will be given preference in case of generally equivalent suitability, aptitude and professional performance.

Data Protection Information:
When you apply for a position with the Technical University of Munich (TUM), you are submitting personal information. With regard to personal information, please take note of the Datenschutzhinweise gemäß Art. 13 Datenschutz-Grundverordnung (DSGVO) zur Erhebung und Verarbeitung von personenbezogenen Daten im Rahmen Ihrer Bewerbung. (data protection information on collecting and processing personal data contained in your application in accordance with Art. 13 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)). By submitting your application, you confirm that you have acknowledged the above data protection information of TUM.

Kontakt: Please send your letter of motivation and complete CV to ga49qal@mytum.de.