Max Planck Institute Genetic Compensation and Transcriptional Adaptation PhD Scholarship 2026

Max Planck Institute seek a highly motivated candidate (m/f/d) to join new projects to address fundamental questions in Genetic Compensation and Transcriptional Adaptation at the Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research in Bad Nauheim (near Frankfurt, Germany), Department of Developmental Genetics (Stainier lab).

We have recently discovered a new form of genetic compensation that we have termed transcriptional adaptation.  Briefly, transcriptional adaptation occurs when a premature termination codon leads to mutant mRNA decay.  The decay fragments in turn modulate the expression of related genes, and consequently varying degrees of phenotypic rescue in some cases.  We have observed this phenomenon in zebrafish, mouse, C. elegans, and, more recently, humans. This is a novel and quickly developing field of research where many open questions remain to be addressed, including 1) the nature and trafficking of the mRNA decay fragments, and 2) the regulation of related genes by the decay fragments, or their derivatives.  For more detailed information, please see our recent publications: (El-Brolosy et al., 2019, Nature; Rossi et al., 2015, Nature; Falcucci et al., 2025, Nature).

Table of Content

• Summary
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineNot Specified
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorMax Planck Institute
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Requirements

• A Master in biology, biochemistry, genetics or a similar subject with a focus on molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry and/or genetics.  Knowledge of RNA and/or protein biochemistry and molecular biology is a plus. 

Check also:
2026 Fully Funded Humboldt Research Fellowship
2026 Konrad Adenauer Foundation Scholarship

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• For further enquiries, please get in touch with Prof. Dr. Didier Stainier.  To apply, please submit the names and contact information for 2-3 references, a CV, and a short statement (2 pages max.) of your research experience and interests to [email protected].  In addition, an application should be submitted to our International Max Planck Research School for Molecular Organ Biology (IMPRS-MOB).

For more information, kindly visit Max Planck Institute webpage.