Institute of Anatomy – Chair for Microscopic Anatomy and Molecular Imaging
Research Group: Pravata Lab (DFG Emmy Noether Programme)
Project Title: Uncovering the Role of Glycosylation in Brain Development and Disease
Our newly established DFG Emmy Noether research group is recruiting highly motivated researchers to join the Pravata Lab. Our multidisciplinary projects bridge evolutionary biology, stem cell modeling, and neurodevelopmental biology to uncover how post-translational modifications (PTMs) – specifically glycosylation – shape the human brain.We focus on Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation (CDGs), rare conditions caused by mutations in glycoenzymes that lead to severe neurodevelopmental delay. By studying enzymes that sit at the intersection of evolutionary divergence and pathology, we use neural organoids, non-human primate models, and targeted genetic engineering to uncover the cellular and molecular mechanisms of these disorders.
Benefits: We Have a Lot To Offer
- Regular promotion to the next level and increase in salary pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement for the public service of the German Länder (TV-L) or remuneration pursuant to the Bavarian Public Servants Remuneration Act (BayBesG) plus an additional annual bonus
- 30 days annual leave at five working days per week with additional free days on December 24 and 31
- Occupational pension scheme and asset accumulation savings scheme
- Excellent support during the academic qualification phase
- Structured doctoral degree programs
- Systematic career development in collaboration with the Graduate Center
- Thorough onboarding process with a dedicated team
- Joint team activities
- Subsidized food and drinks in our student restaurants
- Place of work within comfortable walking distance of public transport
- Family-friendly environment with childcare options, also during school holidays
- Flexible working hours
- A wide range of training courses and opportunities for professional development
- Active health management
Your Tasks
Position 1: Ph.D. Candidate (m/f/d)
Tasks and Responsibilities:
This project investigates how glycosylation shapes human brain development and contributes to disease. You will genetically modify iPSCs using Prime Editing and model CDG in neural organoids. You will use advanced imaging and OMICs (Proteomics, scRNA seq) to uncover the molecular mechanisms of glycosylation behind severe neurodevelopmental disorders.
Position 2: Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d)
Tasks and Responsibilities:
This project maps the evolutionary differences in brain glycosylation by comparing neural organoids from humans, chimpanzees, and macaques. You will isolate specific developing brain cells and use advanced mass spectrometry to identify the critical protein modifications driving species-specific neurodevelopment. You will then integrate these findings with advanced imaging and the targeted manipulation of key enzymes to fully understand their impact.
Your Profile
Position 1: Ph.D. Candidate (m/f/d)
Essential Requirements:
- A BSc/MSc in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
- Hands-on experience in the lab and standard molecular biology techniques.
- A strong analytical mindset and a genuine passion for developmental biology.
Desirable Qualifications: - Prior experience with iPSCs, 3D organoid cultures, or CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing.
- Familiarity with high-resolution microscopy or flow cytometry.
- Basic bioinformatics skills for scRNA-seq analysis.
Position 2: Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d)
Essential Requirements: - A Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
- Extensive hands-on experience in either advanced mammalian cell culture or proteomics.
- A strong analytical mindset with the ability to independently design experiments and drive a research project forward.
Desirable Qualifications: - Prior experience working with human/primate iPSCs, 3D neural organoid cultures, or developmental neurobiology.
- Familiarity with FACS/flow cytometry.
- Bioinformatics skills for processing and analyzing large-scale proteomic data.
Application deadline: 31.08.2026
| Job start date | 01.01.2027 |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | 31.08.2026 |
| Location | Medizinische Fakultät Krankenhausstr. 9 91054 Erlangen |
| Payment | TV-L E 13 |
| Working time | Full or part time |
| Weekly working hours | 26 – 40,10, Nach Vereinbarung |
| Limitation | Temporary employment |
| Contact | Dr. Maria Veronica Pravata
|
The application process
How to apply
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Notice
For all job postings, the following applies: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität promotes equal professional opportunities for women. Women are therefore expressly encouraged to apply.
Severely disabled persons as defined by the German Severely Disabled Persons Act will be given preferential consideration if they have the same professional qualifications and personal aptitude and if the advertised position is suitable for severely disabled persons. Details can be found in the respective job posting under “Remarks.”
At the applicant’s request, the Equal Opportunities Officer may be included in the job interview without any disadvantage to the applicant.
All advertised positions are generally suitable for part-time work unless stated otherwise in the job posting.
Release date: 21.06.2026,
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