Erstellt am 22. Juni 2026
Master's / Medical Doctoral Thesis Opportunity
Technische Universität München
München, Bavaria 80333, Germany
Vollzeit
Reference: 1764196780
Master's / Medical Doctoral Thesis Opportunity
19.06.2026, Academic staff
This project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to therapeutic research in a rare neurodegenerative disease while gaining advanced training in molecular and cellular biology. The position is suitable for students seeking to complete a Master's thesis or an experimental medical doctoral thesis (Dr. med.) within a collaborative research environment between TUM and Helmholtz Zentrum München.
We are offering an exciting thesis opportunity for a highly motivated student interested in neurodegeneration, cell biology, and translational research.
The project focuses on Beta-Propeller Protein-Associated Neurodegeneration (BPAN), a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in WDR45, leading to impaired autophagy, lysosomal dysfunction, and abnormal lipid metabolism. Currently, no disease-modifying treatment is available.
Using patient-derived fibroblasts, iPSC-derived astrocytes, and dopaminergic neurons, the student will investigate how small molecules modulate disease-relevant cellular pathways and identify candidate therapeutic compounds.
This project is a collaboration between the Institute of Human Genetics (TUM) and the Institute of Neurogenomics, Helmholtz Munich, with access to state-of-the-art high-content imaging facilities within the Euro-BioImaginginfrastructure.
What You Will Do
• Culture patient-derived and iPSC-derived cellular models
• Perform compound testing and phenotypic screening
• Assess autophagy, lysosomal function, and lipid metabolism
• Learn advanced fluorescence microscopy and image analysis
• Contribute to the identification of potential therapeutic candidates
What You Will Learn
• Mammalian cell culture
• Immunofluorescence microscopy
• High-content imaging and quantitative image analysis
• Molecular and cellular neuroscience techniques
• Translational drug discovery approaches
We Offer
• A dynamic and international research environment
• Close supervision and mentoring
• Training in advanced cellular and imaging technologies
• Opportunity to contribute to scientific publications
• Participation in lab meetings and journal clubs
Candidate Profile
We are looking for a motivated student with an interest in:
• Neurogenetics or neurodegeneration
• Molecular and cellular biology
• Translational biomedical research
Previous laboratory experience is preferred.
Application
Please send:
• CV
• Academic transcripts
• Short motivation letter
Contact:
Dr. Arcangela Iuso
[email protected]
Duration: ~10 months
Location: Helmholtz Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
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: Dr. Arcangela Iuso, [email protected]
19.06.2026, Academic staff
This project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to therapeutic research in a rare neurodegenerative disease while gaining advanced training in molecular and cellular biology. The position is suitable for students seeking to complete a Master's thesis or an experimental medical doctoral thesis (Dr. med.) within a collaborative research environment between TUM and Helmholtz Zentrum München.
We are offering an exciting thesis opportunity for a highly motivated student interested in neurodegeneration, cell biology, and translational research.
The project focuses on Beta-Propeller Protein-Associated Neurodegeneration (BPAN), a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in WDR45, leading to impaired autophagy, lysosomal dysfunction, and abnormal lipid metabolism. Currently, no disease-modifying treatment is available.
Using patient-derived fibroblasts, iPSC-derived astrocytes, and dopaminergic neurons, the student will investigate how small molecules modulate disease-relevant cellular pathways and identify candidate therapeutic compounds.
This project is a collaboration between the Institute of Human Genetics (TUM) and the Institute of Neurogenomics, Helmholtz Munich, with access to state-of-the-art high-content imaging facilities within the Euro-BioImaginginfrastructure.
What You Will Do
• Culture patient-derived and iPSC-derived cellular models
• Perform compound testing and phenotypic screening
• Assess autophagy, lysosomal function, and lipid metabolism
• Learn advanced fluorescence microscopy and image analysis
• Contribute to the identification of potential therapeutic candidates
What You Will Learn
• Mammalian cell culture
• Immunofluorescence microscopy
• High-content imaging and quantitative image analysis
• Molecular and cellular neuroscience techniques
• Translational drug discovery approaches
We Offer
• A dynamic and international research environment
• Close supervision and mentoring
• Training in advanced cellular and imaging technologies
• Opportunity to contribute to scientific publications
• Participation in lab meetings and journal clubs
Candidate Profile
We are looking for a motivated student with an interest in:
• Neurogenetics or neurodegeneration
• Molecular and cellular biology
• Translational biomedical research
Previous laboratory experience is preferred.
Application
Please send:
• CV
• Academic transcripts
• Short motivation letter
Contact:
Dr. Arcangela Iuso
[email protected]
Duration: ~10 months
Location: Helmholtz Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
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: Dr. Arcangela Iuso, [email protected]
