Research Associate (Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in) – Molecular Child Psychiatry

About us

Faculty VI – Medicine and Health Sciences comprises the fields of Human Medicine, Medical Physics and Acoustics, Neuroscience, Psychology, and Health Services Research. Together with four regional hospitals, Faculty VI forms the University Medicine Oldenburg. In addition, there is close collaboration with the University Medical Center of the University of Groningen.

The Research Laboratory Molecular Child Psychiatry investigates how early-life adversity and prenatal substance exposure shape brain development and contribute to psychiatric symptoms across childhood and adolescence. Our research combines molecular biology, cellular models, clinical cohorts, and neuropsychological assessments to identify biological mechanisms underlying mental health, vulnerability, and resilience.

Our laboratory employs targeted DNA methylation analyses, whole-genome DNA methylation profiling, gene expression analyses (RT-qPCR), protein quantification (Western blot and ELISA), and the integration of molecular findings with psychometric and neuropsychological data. In addition, we are establishing human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived brain organoid models to study neurodevelopmental mechanisms related to early adversity, prenatal substance exposure, and psychiatric symptoms.

Your tasks

• Conduct molecular and cellular biology experiments within ongoing research projects.
• Independently plan, perform, document, and evaluate laboratory experiments.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of organoid-based experimental models.
• Perform statistical and bioinformatic analyses of whole-genome DNA methylation data and other molecular datasets.
• Integrate molecular findings with clinical, psychometric, and neuropsychological data.
• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental results.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research findings at scientific meetings.
• Contribute to the preparation of grant applications.
• Supervise Bachelor’s and Master’s students and support junior researchers within the laboratory.
• Collaborate closely with clinical and interdisciplinary research partners.
• Depending on qualification level, contribute to teaching in child and adolescent psychiatry and related disciplines.

Your profile

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in biology, molecular biology, neuroscience, biochemistry, molecular medicine, psychology with a molecular or neuroscience focus, or a related discipline.
• completed PhD in molecular psychiatry, neuroscience, molecular biology, genetics, epigenetics, developmental biology, or a related field.
• Practical experience with molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA, methylation analyses, or related methods.
• Experience with statistical analysis using R, Python, or SPSS.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• High motivation, reliability, organizational skills, and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team.

Desirable/preferred qualifications

• Experience with whole-genome DNA methylation data, genome-wide molecular analyses, next-generation sequencing, or bioinformatics.
• Experience with stem cell culture, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), or brain organoid models.
• Experience working with clinical cohorts and/or biobanks.
• Scientific publication record, particularly for postdoctoral applicants.
• Experience contributing to grant applications.
• German language skills are advantageous but not required.

We offer

• A stimulating and interdisciplinary research environment embedded within a university hospital.
• Access to a modern and well-equipped molecular research laboratory.
• The opportunity to contribute to innovative research at the interface of molecular biology, neuroscience, and child psychiatry.
• Close collaboration with clinicians, psychologists, neuroscientists, and international research partners.
• There is the possibility of personal scientific qualification post-doctoral thesis
• Opportunities to present your work at national and international conferences.
• A welcoming, collaborative, and international working atmosphere.

Our standards

The University of Oldenburg is dedicated to increase the percentage of female employees in the field of science. Therefore, female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. In accordance to § 21 Section 3 NHG, female candidates with equal qualifications will be preferentially considered. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualification.

Further information

The position is based within the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy.

First day of work is as soon as possible or as of 1 October 2026.

Contact

For further information, please contact Dr. Mira Vasileva ()