Master’s / Medical Doctoral Thesis Opportunity

19.06.2026, Wissenschaftliches Personal

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
arcangela.iuso@helmholtz-munich.de
Duration: ~10 months
Location: Helmholtz Munich, Neuherberg, Germany

Kontakt: Dr. Arcangela Iuso, arcangela.iuso@helmholtz-munich.de