PhD Position at Heidelberg University, Germany | Apply & Join the RNA Society

PhD Position at Heidelberg University | Apply Now

PhD Position opportunities in RNA biology are now open at Heidelberg University through the Cluster of Excellence SynthImmune. This fully funded 3.5-year doctoral project offers aspiring researchers the chance to work on cutting-edge RNA modifications, viral RNA biology, and next-generation RNA therapeutics in collaboration with leading scientists at Heidelberg University and the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Germany. Featured via RNA Society Careers, this role provides advanced interdisciplinary research exposure.

About Heidelberg University

PhD Position candidates will join the prestigious Cluster of Excellence SynthImmune at Heidelberg University. The project is conducted in close collaboration with the Papavasiliou Lab at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.

The research focuses on understanding RNA modifications, viral genome organization, and designing optimized synthetic mRNAs for advanced nanoparticle-based delivery systems. Researchers will work within an interdisciplinary environment dedicated to advancing RNA biology and RNA-based therapeutics.

Job Details

Project Details

• Project Name: “Fold-Mods: Identification of RNA Modifications that Support the Folding Packaging of RNA Cargo”
• Duration: 3.5 years
• Research Area: RNA biology, RNA modifications, viral RNA genome organization, synthetic mRNA design, nanoparticle-based RNA delivery
• Collaborating Lab: Papavasiliou Lab, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
• Objective: Connect fundamental RNA biology with emerging RNA therapeutics to develop next-generation RNA delivery strategies inspired by viral systems

PhD Position Description

The PhD Position focuses on investigating how RNA modifications regulate RNA folding, stability, packaging, and biological function. Viral RNA genomes will serve as model systems to understand selective genome packaging and inspire innovative RNA therapeutic technologies.

Researchers will apply advanced molecular biology and sequencing technologies to map RNA modifications and analyze RNA structure. The role integrates structural biology, RNA-seq-based approaches, biochemical assays, and nanoparticle-based delivery studies to translate mechanistic insights into improved synthetic mRNA design and RNA origami applications.

Eligibility Criteria for the PhD Position

• Education: Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Virology, or a closely related field.

Required Skills

• Strong passion for RNA biology and synthetic/translational RNA applications.
• Hands-on experience with standard molecular biology techniques, particularly RNA-related laboratory work.
• Ambition to develop into an independent scientist.
• High reliability, initiative, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and within interdisciplinary research teams.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

PhD Position – Key Responsibilities

• Investigate how specific RNA modifications shape RNA secondary and tertiary structure and influence RNA function.
• Study viral RNA genome modifications as model systems for efficient RNA folding and genome packaging.
• Apply RNA-seq-based modification mapping and structure probing techniques.
• Perform biochemical assays and FRET assays.
• Explore how RNA features influence selective loading into nanoparticles.
• Contribute to the rational design and functional testing of synthetic mRNAs optimized for stability and delivery.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary research groups within Heidelberg University and DKFZ.

The PhD Position at Heidelberg University, featured through RNA Society Careers, provides a fully funded doctoral opportunity in RNA biology and RNA therapeutics. Candidates interested in advanced RNA research and synthetic mRNA design should review the official notification and apply before 02 August 2026.

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