MSc student (f/m/x) in the field of Neuroimmunology 1555/2026/7

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated MSc student to conduct research at the interface of immunology and neuroscience, for a MSc thesis or as part of an internship.

The student will be a member of the ‘Translational Neuroimmunology’ research group, led by Dr. Róisín McManus, which is based at the DZNE in Bonn and is also associated with the Institute of Innate Immunity at the University Hospital Bonn, the ImmunoSensation2 Cluster of Excellence and the Collaborative Research Centre “Metaflammation” (SFB 1454).

Our research focuses on understanding how microglia-mediated neuroinflammation contributes to the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Specifically, we examine how immune signaling and metabolic changes combine to modulate microglial function, affecting disease outcome.

• Currently enrolled at a University and conducting a MSc degree. BSc degree in Immunology, Neuroscience, Biology or similar
• Previous experience in experimental immunology, neuroscience or cell metabolism research would be very beneficial
• Hands on experience in cell culture and biochemistry techniques (protein assays, western blot, PCR). Familiarity in immunohistochemistry or flow cytometry is a plus
• Fluency in English for communicating, writing, and presentation of scientific data
• Strong enthusiasm and motivation for interdisciplinary research
• Excellent problem solving skills and ability to work independently
• Willingness to work in a diverse and interdisciplinary team of international scientists

Our recent work has uncovered that certain immune pathways can regulate microglial metabolism and the levels of key metabolites, which has a downstream effect on gene transcription and cell function (McManus et al., 2025 Immunity and unpublished findings from the lab). This project will investigate how alterations in metabolism can influence the microglial response associated with neurodegeneration.

Specifically, this project will involve cell culture work using murine and human microglial cells, immune activation assays and state of the art lab techniques (metabolic assays, flow cytometry or fluorescence imaging, and biochemical techniques e.g. western blot, quantification assays).

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, transcripts and the contact details for references in one single PDF file. For an internship you will need a letter from your university confirming that it is mandatory as part of your degree program. Only applications submitted via our portals will be accepted. Please refrain from sending your application by e-mail.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

For questions related to the position, please contact Dr. Róisín McManus at [email protected]

Please apply via the link below.

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.

Company

The Helmholtz Association contributes to solving major challenges to assure the future of our society. With more than 47.500 people on staff in 18 national Research Centers and an annual budget of more than 6 billion euros, the Helmholtz Association is Germany’s largest scientific organization. The name Helmholtz stands for concerted research, in which networks form the key principle behind inquiring thought and action.

The profile of the Helmholtz Association

The Helmholtz Association performs cutting-edge research which contributes substantially to solving the grand challenges of science, society and industry. To succeed in meeting these responsibilities, Helmholtz concentrates its work in six research fields: Energy, Earth and Environment, Health, Information, Matter, as well as Aeronautics, Space and Transport. Within each of these fields, research programs are developed by our scientists and regularly evaluated by renowned international experts. Their evaluation forms the basis for the program-oriented funding that is allocated to Helmholtz research. Within the six research fields, Helmholtz scientists cooperate with each other and with external partners – working across disciplinary, organizational and national borders.

Moreover, Helmholtz specializes in large-scale research infrastructures – from accelerator facilities, earth observation satellites, research ships to supercomputers. They form the basis for scientific advances in tackling global societal challenges. Managing national research infrastructure is part of the Helmholtz Association's mission.

Promoting young academics

Helmholtz scientists, a high-performance infrastructure and modern and efficient research management are the ingredients to the Helmholtz Association‘s success and global impact.
Promoting young researchers is a major priority for the Helmholtz Association. Its qualification schemes for young researchers are geared mainly towards PhD students, postdocs and young managers. The Helmholtz Association has set high standards for its talent management. Its strategy begins with targeted recruitment of highly qualified staff at all levels, followed by comprehensive support aimed at further developing their potential. Ensuring equal opportunities is an essential element in all talent management activities undertaken by the Helmholtz Association.

The Helmholtz Graduate Schools and Research Schools at almost all Helmholtz Centers provide doctoral students with the general and specific skills and training they need, as well as ample opportunity to network. The period following a doctorate is decisive in determining the direction and success of a scientific career. For this reason, we established Career Development Centers for postdoctoral researchers in the Helmholtz Centers. This equips young researchers with the skills they need to go on to head a Helmholtz Investigator Group , for example. As an Investigator Group leader, junior scientists can independently set up their own group to conduct research in their specialist field and acquire management skills.

Within its talent management strategy, the Helmholtz Association pays special attention to the increased recruitment of talented female scientists both from Germany and abroad. To this end, there are currently two funding programs supporting this policy: and Helmholtz Distinguished Professorship – Funding for the recruitment of leading international female scientists (W3) .

The increasing complexity of the content, structures and framework conditions of scientific work today requires researchers to organize their projects, their employees and, of course, themselves in a highly professional and effective way. In response to these demands, we have set up the Helmholtz Leadership Academy to provide leaders in science with professional management training. Furthermore, the Helmholtz network provides a platform for the alumni of the Helmholtz Leadership Academy to come together and share their experiences of leadership, career development and lifelong learning.

All of this combined makes the 18 Research Centers of the Helmholtz Association a highly attractive environment for talented researchers from all over the world.

Company info

Telephone

0049-30-206329-0

Location

Anna-Louisa-Karsch-Str. 2
Berlin
Berlin
10178
Germany