What are the responsibilities and job description for the PhD Position at the Cluster of Excellence SynthImmune of Heidelberg University position at The RNA Society?
Posted on: July 9, 2026
We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to join the Cluster of Excellence SynthImmune project “Fold-Mods: identification of RNA modifications that support the folding packaging of RNA cargo.” This project directly links fundamental RNA biology to emerging RNA therapeutics, enabling the development of next‑generation RNA delivery strategies inspired by viral systems.
RNA molecules contain a wide range of chemical modifications that influence their structure, stability, and interactions, ultimately shaping their function. RNA viruses provide an ideal system to study these effects, as their genomes are precisely folded, selectively modified, and efficiently packaged into compact particles. By using viral RNA genomes as model systems, you will uncover fundamental principles governing RNA organization and the tightly regulated process of genome packaging. Building on these insights, you will explore how defined RNA features govern selective loading into nanoparticles, with the goal of applying these principles to the design of optimized synthetic mRNAs for nanoparticle-based delivery and RNA origami. This project is in close collaboration with the Papavasiliou lab, at the German Cancer Research Center, in Heidelberg, Germany.
Your will
Planned start of the project: October 01, 2026
View All Job Postings >>
We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to join the Cluster of Excellence SynthImmune project “Fold-Mods: identification of RNA modifications that support the folding packaging of RNA cargo.” This project directly links fundamental RNA biology to emerging RNA therapeutics, enabling the development of next‑generation RNA delivery strategies inspired by viral systems.
RNA molecules contain a wide range of chemical modifications that influence their structure, stability, and interactions, ultimately shaping their function. RNA viruses provide an ideal system to study these effects, as their genomes are precisely folded, selectively modified, and efficiently packaged into compact particles. By using viral RNA genomes as model systems, you will uncover fundamental principles governing RNA organization and the tightly regulated process of genome packaging. Building on these insights, you will explore how defined RNA features govern selective loading into nanoparticles, with the goal of applying these principles to the design of optimized synthetic mRNAs for nanoparticle-based delivery and RNA origami. This project is in close collaboration with the Papavasiliou lab, at the German Cancer Research Center, in Heidelberg, Germany.
Your will
- Investigate how specific RNA modifications shape RNA secondary and tertiary structure and feedback on RNA function.
- Study viral RNA genome modifications as model systems for efficient folding and packaging.
- Apply high-throughput and targeted methods (e.g., RNA-seq-based modification mapping, structure probing, biochemical assays, 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.
- Master’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, virology, or a closely related field.
- Strong passion for science, with a particular enthusiasm for RNA biology and an interest in synthetic/translational RNA applications.
- Strong experience with standard molecular biology techniques, including hands on work with RNA.
- Clear ambition to develop into an independent scientist.
- High reliability, strong initiative, and enjoyment of troubleshooting.
- Ability to work both autonomously and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- A joint mentorship and integrated training in both groups, gaining interdisciplinary scientific expertise.
- A stimulating interdisciplinary and supportive research environment at the interface of fundamental and translational RNA biology at Heidelberg University.
- Access to state-of-the-art technologies for RNA modification analysis, sequencing, and structural biology.
- Integration into the DFG-funded graduate school “Young Researchers in RNA Modifications and Processing” of the Collaborative Research Center 319. This program offers specialized training in RNA biology and RNA modifications as well as soft skills and career development training.
- A fully funded 3.5-year PhD position in accordance with DFG guidelines
- Applications should be submitted via the Heidelberg Biosciences International Graduate School (HBIGS) (https://www.hbigs.uni-heidelberg.de/)
- Contact: Alessia Ruggieri (Ruggieri@med.uni-heidelberg.de)
Planned start of the project: October 01, 2026
View All Job Postings >>