Join TRR 418

This project investigates whether ultraviolet light–induced autoimmunity in the skin is regulated by the circadian clock, and whether this connection can be exploited for therapeutic purposes. The doctoral researcher will be primarily responsible for functional ex vivo and in vitro experiments in samples from lupus patients and healthy controls. This includes integrating self-reported questionnaires and behavioral sensor data with phenotypic, transcriptomic, and mechanistic analyses from blood, hair, urine, and skin samples. Additionally, the project includes establishing and applying a human skin organ culture model. All experiments will be conducted in close collaboration with a second doctoral researcher in Project A02 and within the broader research network of the CRC on Circadian Medicine.

Responsibilities

• Conduct ex vivo and in vitro experiments using human biosamples
• Combine behavioral and molecular data from patient and control cohorts
• Establish and apply a human skin organ culture model
• Collaborate closely with a second doctoral researcher and the CRC network

Requirements

• Master’s degree in biology or a related life science discipline
• Strong scientific interest in (psycho)neuroimmunology
• Experience with handling and analyzing human biological samples is desirable, but not required
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Very good English communication skills (written and spoken)

This project investigates whether ultraviolet light–induced autoimmunity in the skin is regulated by the circadian clock, and whether this connection can be exploited for therapeutic purposes. The doctoral researcher will be primarily responsible for functional in vivo and in vitro experiments. This includes conducting and maintaining mouse models of lupus erythematosus and collecting phenotypic, transcriptomic, and mechanistic data from those models as well as from related cell culture experiments. All experiments will be performed in close collaboration with a second doctoral researcher in Project A02 and within the scientific network of the CRC on Circadian Medicine.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and maintain in vivo lupus mouse models
• Perform cell culture experiments
• Collect and analyze phenotypic, transcriptomic, and mechanistic data
• Collaborate closely with a second doctoral researcher and the CRC research community

Requirements

• Master’s degree in biology or a related life science field
• Strong scientific interest in immunology
• Experience with animal models is desirable, but not required
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Very good English communication skills (written and spoken)

This collaborative, interdisciplinary project (in cooperation with Prof. Henriette Uhlenhaut, TU Munich) investigates whether circadian disruptions influence mortality and recovery in ICU patients. The study combines clinical sample profiling with mouse models to elucidate mechanistic insights into how diseases such as pneumonia and COVID-19, or mechanical ventilation in critically ill patients, disrupt circadian rhythms—and conversely, how such rhythm disruptions affect disease progression. The focus is on the role of glucocorticoids and REV-ERB proteins, key circadian signaling molecules and major regulators of inflammatory immune responses.

Responsibilities

• Research on molecular mechanisms of the circadian clock in pneumonia and mechanical ventilation
• Work with murine infection and ventilation models
• Conduct circadian studies on cell lines and primary human airway epithelial cells

Requirements

• Excellent Master’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or related fields
• Experience in molecular biology, cell biology, or animal experimental techniques desirable
• Prior knowledge in chronobiology, immunology, or bioinformatics is an advantage
• Excellent English skills and ability to work collaboratively

This collaborative, interdisciplinary project (in cooperation with Prof. Simon Haas, Charité) explores the interplay between internal circadian desynchronization and immune system dysfunction. The aim is to identify biomarkers for internal circadian synchronization in mice and humans. Using single-cell technologies, genetic and protein biomarkers will be identified that reliably predict the phase of each cell type from a single sample. Results will be validated in mice and humans with circadian system disruptions, as well as in patients with immunological disorders. This project is expected to pioneer circadian diagnostics, a field currently lacking straightforward circadian testing methods.

Responsibilities

• Investigate circadian disruptions and their effects on immune cells using single-cell technologies
• Aim to develop a biomarker-based test for circadian synchronization

Requirements

• Excellent Master’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or related fields
• Desirable: experience with flow cytometry, single-cell genomics, bioinformatics, immunological methods, or human subject studies
• Excellent English skills and teamwork abilities

When the body’s internal clocks fall out of sync, it can contribute to various diseases, particularly those involving the immune system. This project uses cutting-edge single-cell methods to explore how circadian disruption impacts immune cell function and contributes to disease development. The overarching aim is to improve diagnosis and therapy of circadian disorders by elucidating their influence on immunity and treatment response.

Responsibilities

• Apply single-cell RNA-seq, flow cytometry, and bioinformatics methods to immune samples
• Analyze circadian patterns in immune cell subsets and disease contexts
• Develop and test molecular markers for circadian misalignment
• Collaborate within the interdisciplinary CRC network on Circadian Medicine

Requirements

• Master’s degree in biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, or a related field
• Prior experience with flow cytometry, single-cell genomics, immunological techniques, or computational analysis is desirable
• Motivated, independent working style and team-oriented mindset
• Excellent English communication skills (spoken and written)

The candidate will investigate circadian rhythms of metabolism and immune parameters, as well as the effects of time-restricted eating in individuals with multiple sclerosis compared to healthy participants. Tasks include nutritional counseling and evaluation of dietary protocols, blood cell isolation during 24-hour study visits, biomarker analysis, RNA sequencing, cell culture, and circadian rhythm analyses based on glucose levels, activity data, and omics datasets.

Responsibilities

• Conduct 24-hour human study sessions including blood processing and sample collection
• Provide nutritional counseling and analyze dietary records
• Perform biomarker assays, RNA-seq, and molecular lab techniques
• Carry out cell culture experiments
• Analyze circadian rhythms in metabolic and  activity data
• Collaborate in an interdisciplinary and translational research setting

Requirements

• MSc or equivalent degree in nutritional sciences, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related biological/medical field
• Experience in planning and conducting human studies and dietary data analysis is preferred
• Experience in molecular biology lab work and cell culture
• Knowledge in chronobiology and rhythm analysis is advantageous
• Skills in bioinformatic analysis of omics data are desirable
• High level of motivation and strong interest in interdisciplinary collaboration
• Very good German and English communication skills (written and spoken)

We are seeking a motivated PhD student with a Master’s degree in biochemistry, bioinformatics, or a related field to investigate circadian proteomic signatures in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). The project involves working with in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo mouse models as well as human blood and liver biopsy samples. The work is embedded in a collaborative environment within the CRC on Circadian Medicine.

Responsibilities

• Conduct circadian proteome analysis using samples from mouse models and human tissues
• Use Integratated computational approaches to analyize proteomic and transcriptomic data to identify molecular rhythms
• Prepare biological samples for quantitative proteomics mass spectrometry and perform mass spectrometry measurements and data processing.
• Collaborate within the project team and contribute to CRC-wide research efforts

Requirements

• Master’s degree in biochemistry, bioinformatics, or a related field
• Experience in computational analysis and integration of large-scale omics datasets
• Ideally, hands-on experience in mass spectrometry-based proteomics, including samplepreparation and data analysis
• High motivation to work independently and  collaboratively in a dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment
• Very good communication skills in English (written and spoken)

This interdisciplinary project investigates how the regulation of chronotype interacts with sexual development and metabolic homeostasis during adolescence — a critical developmental window for establishing long-term metabolic setpoints in adulthood. The research focuses on the interplay between pubertal development, internal clock function, and endocrine rhythms in defined human cohorts, including children with early or delayed puberty. Furthermore, the project aims to develop and test chronomedical interventions (e.g., screen-time counseling, light filter usage) designed to realign metabolic homeostasis in obese adolescents, both with and without social jetlag.

Responsibilities

• Analyze clinical and endocrine data from adolescent cohorts
• Conduct in vitro experiments related to hormonal and metabolic regulation
• Contribute to the design and implementation of behavioral intervention studies
• Collaborate within a dynamic, interdisciplinary research team

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Cell or Molecular Biology, Developmental Biology, Biotechnology, Nutritional Science, or Public Health
• Interest in clinical data analysis and in vitro laboratory work
• Skills in statistical analysis; basic experience with bioinformatics is an asset
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Excellent spoken and written English

We are looking for a talented PhD student with a strong interest in metabolism, exercise, circadian biology, and bioinformatics. This project uses transgenic mice (Cre-lox models), omics techniques (transcriptomics, metabolomics, lipidomics), and circadian bioinformatics to investigate how physical exercise can be optimized as a therapeutic strategy for MASLD. The student will be responsible for conducting in vivo and in vitro experiments and for analyzing circadian data.

Responsibilities

• Perform in vivo experiments in mouse models
• Conduct in vitro experiments related to metabolic regulation
• Analyze transcriptomic, metabolomic, and circadian datasets
• Collaborate within an interdisciplinary research team

Requirements

• Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in life sciences
• Excellent communication skills in English (spoken and written)
• Experience in animal experimentation (e.g., FELASA course or equivalent documented experience)

Desirable

• Familiarity with bioinformatic analyses
• Knowledge of circadian biology
• Knowledge of the German language

Application documents

• Motivation letter: Describe your scientific interests, motivation for pursuing a PhD and how your skills fit this project.
• References: Contact information of two academic references (name, e-mail, telephone number, and your relationship)
• Curriculum Vitae: (emphasize practical experience and technical skills)

This innovative, interdisciplinary project investigates the mechanistic link between the neurodegenerative Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and disruptions in circadian rhythms and sleep. It tests the hypothesis that circadian rhythm disturbances contribute to neurodegeneration in AD which are measurable in circulating innate immune cells. Microglia, the brain’s immune cells that critically modulate neurodegeneration and exhibit strong circadian regulation, are a focal point. The study combines AD mouse models and a human clinical trial in prodromal stages of AD. An intervention study aiming to strengthen the circadian system will quantify effects on rhythms, immunity, cognitive functions, and sleep.

Responsibilities

• Research the role of circadian dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease using AD mouse models and clinical blood samples
• Perform RNA-sequencing, macrophage assays, and animal experiments
• Collaborate closely with clinicians and basic researchers in the Priller and Kramer laboratories

Requirements

• PhD in (Molecular) Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Neuroscience or related disciplines
• Experience with molecular analysis, cell biology, and animal experiments
• Structured, independent working style and excellent English skills
• Interest in translational research
• Knowledge of chronobiology is an advantage

This interdisciplinary project aims to improve circadian health through a digital solution by delivering personalized, chronobiologically informed daily recommendations. The ultimate goal is to make circadian medicine more accessible, particularly in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure. You will use actigraphy, light sensors, and a mobile app to quantitatively correlate circadian disruptions with mental health outcomes. A randomized study will follow, in which actigraphy, sensor, and self-reported wellbeing data are used to generate personalized behavioral and light exposure recommendations, with the aim of improving mental health. The project will also explore the potential of smartphone-based activity and light tracking to deliver preventive circadian health guidance to the broader population.

Responsibilities

• Collect and analyze actigraphy, sensor, and questionnaire data
• Conduct a randomized study testing personalized circadian recommendations
• Develop or support data pipelines and app-based interventions
• Contribute to translating chronobiological science into public health applications

Requirements

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Behavioral Science, Statistics, or a related discipline
• Fluency in English (spoken and written); German language skills are required
• Structured and independent working style
• Strong motivation, sense of responsibility, and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team
• Prior experience in chronobiology is an advantage
• Proficiency in statistical analysis (e.g., R) and basic programming skills are a plus

This project investigates the interplay between circadian rhythms, glucocorticoid regulation, and glutamatergic signaling in mood stability. The PhD student will be primarily responsible for conducting human experiments in WP1 and WP2, including psychophysics, EEG, fMRI, and psychoneuroendocrinological assessments. The research is based at the Institute of Psychology (Obleser) and conducted in close collaboration with the Institute of Neurobiology (Oster) at the University of Lübeck.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct behavioral and neuroimaging experiments in human participants
• Analyze psychophysical, EEG, fMRI, and hormone data
• Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary partners within the CRC
• Contribute to scientific publications and presentations

Requirements

• Master’s degree in psychology
• Strong skills in experimental design, psychophysics, and statistics
• Experience with psychopharmacological or neuroendocrine research is a strong advantage
• Excellent communication skills in English (spoken and written)
• Motivation to work in an interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment

We are looking for a talented PhD student with a strong interest in the neurobiology of circadian rhythms to join a project investigating the interplay between glucocorticoid action and prefrontal glutamatergic signaling in mood stability. We use behavioral, electrophysiological, molecular and bioinformatic assays in transgenic mice. The PhD student will be primarily responsible for conducting mouse and molecular experiments including behavioral testing, electrophysiological assays, and transcriptomics. The research is based at the Institute of Neurobiology (Oster) and conducted in close collaboration with the Institute of Psychology (Obleser) at the University of Lübeck.

Responsibilities

• Perform behavioral experiments in mouse models
• Conduct electrophysiological experiments related to prefrontal E:I balance
• Analyze transcriptomic and circadian datasets
• Collaborate within an interdisciplinary research team

Requirements

• BSc and MSc degrees in biology/biochemistry/neurobiology or related life sciences
• Strong communication skills in English (spoken and written)
• Experience in animal experimentation (e.g., FELASA B certificate, documented experience)

Desirable

• Familiarity with omics analyses
• Knowledge of circadian biology and/or endocrine signaling
• Knowledge of the German language

This interdisciplinary PhD project focuses on developing a novel, broadly applicable chronotype assay based on cost-effective, high-throughput proteomic technologies applied to human blood serum and plasma samples. You will use plasma proteome profiling to build a robust biomarker signature of internal time and apply it to large-scale human cohorts to objectively study the epidemiology of the human circadian clock. Thousands of already processed serum samples from standardized population studies will be integrated into this analysis. The resulting proteome-based signature of circadian phase could be directly linked to epidemiological parameters such as disease risk, enabling immediate translational relevance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize proteomic methods for large-scale plasma analysis
• Design and implement a chronotype classification system based on proteomic biomarkers
• Analyze epidemiological cohort data in collaboration with consortium partners
• Contribute to publications and present results at international conferences

Requirements

• Master’s degree in biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or a related field
• Motivated and independent mindset, with strong team spirit
• Excellent English skills (spoken and written)

Desirable

• Experience with mass spectrometry-based proteomic
• Basic skills or interest in bioinformatics and statistical data analysis

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher in bioinformatics or genomics to join the central service project of the newly established Collaborative Research Center (CRC) on Circadian Medicine. The position is based in the Chronobiology Unit led by Prof. Achim Kramer (www.achim-kramer-lab.de), with close collaboration with the bioinformatics group of Prof. Lisa Buchauer. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to the development of novel molecular biomarkers for human circadian medicine, to advance methodological innovation in circadian omics analysis, and to help build a unique large-scale resource of omics datasets, processing pipelines, and tools for the CRC and beyond. The position also allows for the independent development of scientific ideas within the CRC framework. We offer a highly collaborative, international, and supportive research environment with a translational focus.

Responsibilities

• Validate and provide standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the collection and preservation of human tissue samples for chronotyping
• Develop a pipeline for the optimization of circadian biomarkers
• Contribute to the development and dissemination of sustainable bioinformatics infrastructure within the CRC
• Support the scientific advancement of molecular chronotyping approaches

Requirements

• PhD in biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, systems biology, or a related field
• Experience in the analysis and processing of omics data
• Experience in molecular biology or genomics
• Teaching experience and enthusiasm for communicating chronobiological concepts
• Proficiency in at least one programming language used in bioinformatics (e.g., Python, R)
• Independent, structured, and detail-oriented working style
• Strong communication skills for training and interdisciplinary collaboration

Desirable

• Knowledge of circadian biology
• Experience in pipeline development and database management

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher in bioinformatics or computational biology to join the central data infrastructure project of a newly established Collaborative Research Center (CRC) on Circadian Medicine, a joint initiative between Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and the University of Lübeck. The position is embedded in the research group "Systems Biology of Infectious Diseases" led by Prof. Lisa Buchauer (https://buchauer-lab.eu/) and includes close collaboration with medical informatics experts Prof. Fabian Prasser and Prof. Maija Poikela. This role offers the opportunity to develop novel algorithms and methods in circadian omics analysis and to build a large-scale collection of circadian omics datasets, processing pipelines, and resources for use within the CRC and the broader research community. The position also allows for the independent development of project ideas within the scope of the CRC. We offer a collaborative, international, and supportive working environment with a translational focus and access to cutting-edge computational infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Development of computational methods for the integration of circadian multi-modal omics data (single-cell and bulk transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, high-dimensional cytometry)
• Construction of curated single-cell data atlases from CRC and public datasets, and of a comprehensive CRC-wide gene expression database
• Further development of the interactive data exploration platform CircMedDB (https://circmeddb.achim-kramer-lab.de/) in collaboration with a web designer
• Creation of standardized raw data processing pipelines to improve cross-project comparability
• Providing bioinformatics expertise and training for CRC members

Requirements

• PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology, systems biology, or a related fiel
• Experience in omics data processing and analysis
• Proficiency in at least one programming language commonly used in bioinformatics (e.g., Python, R)
• Independent, structured, and detail-oriented working style
• Strong communication skills for training and interdisciplinary collaboration

Desirable

• Experience with single-cell omics data
• Familiarity with circadian biology
• Experience in developing web-based data visualization tools
• Experience in pipeline development and database management