Chrono
Join a cohort of 12 doctoral researchers in ChronoBridge, a European Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network. The programme connects biological clocks, physiology and metabolism through international collaboration.
Host and supervision
The position is supervised by Prof. Achim Kramer in the Achim Kramer Lab (www.achim-kramer-lab.de), Division of Chronobiology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. The laboratory works in chronobiology and circadian medicine, studying how biological clocks function, how their disruption affects health, and how knowledge of biological timing can support diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
You will receive regular supervision, advice from senior researchers, quarterly meetings with an independent advisor, an annual committee review and support from a non-academic mentor. A local co-supervisor will guide each research visit.
Research project
This WP1 project investigates which proteins released by cells can reset biological clocks and help cells and organs stay in sync. You will identify new signals, test how they act and examine their relevance to metabolism.
Your research will involve:
- Screening secreted proteins in cell models with fluorescent clock markers to identify promising candidates.
- Testing candidate signals, alongside TGF-β, in reporter cells, primary human cells and cultured mouse tissues.
- Investigating signaling pathways using genetic, antibody-based and pharmacological approaches.
- Examining clock coordination and metabolic effects in models relevant to type 2 diabetes.
The project aims to identify clock-resetting signals and explain how they support communication between cells and tissues.
Suggested profile
- A completed Master’s degree, or equivalent, in cell biology, molecular biology, physiology, biochemistry or a related discipline.
- Interest in cell communication, biological rhythms and metabolic disease. Previous laboratory or data-analysis experience is useful; specialist training will be provided.
- Scientific curiosity, critical thinking, careful research practice and enthusiasm for collaboration across Europe.
Skills you will develop
- Formulate hypotheses and design rigorous experiments or analyses.
- Interpret results critically and solve research problems.
- Write scientific papers and present findings clearly.
- Manage projects and collaborate across disciplines and countries.
- Apply research ethics and reproducible methods.
Planned research visits
Research visits to the University of Geneva, Université Paris Cité and BioTalentum total approximately 2.5 months. They provide complementary methods, international collaboration and local supervision. See the ChronoBridge “Training & network” page for mobility information.
Allowance
This is a full-time position as a doctoral researcher.
Remuneration follows the recruiting institution’s applicable salary arrangements and MSCA funding requirements.
The grant supports eligible personal and family circumstances. Your employer will explain salary, allowances and deductions.
Eligibility
Candidates of any nationality may apply, provided they:
Do not hold a doctoral degree or have successfully defended a doctoral thesis at recruitment.
Meet the doctoral programme’s admission requirements.
Have not lived or mainly worked or studied in Germany for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately before recruitment, subject to defined exceptions.
Have professional English, with evidence assessed by the recruiting institution.
See “Who can Apply?” on the ChronoBridge “How to Apply” page for the detailed criteria and exceptions.
Network training
You will benefit from at least 100 hours of scientific and transferable-skills training, three years of Nature Masterclasses access, network congresses, workshops, online clubs and an individual career-development plan. The programme offers connections with academic, industry and clinical partners. See “Training & network” for the full programme and practical arrangements.