PhD student (f/m/x) in Systems Aging

1565/2026/8

• Bonn
• 3 years
• 25.09.2026
• full-time

The German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) is a globally leading, internationally oriented research institution dedicated to discovering new approaches for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

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Your profile in cutting edge research

• A Master's degree (or equivalent) in biomedical sciences, neuroscience, biology, bioinformatics, or a related discipline
• Strong analytical skills and an interest in statistical and data-driven research approaches
• The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to an interdisciplinary and international team
• Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken

Your role in cutting edge research

The group of Dr. Daniele Bano investigates how cellular systems maintain resilience and adapt to environmental challenges, with a particular focus on the interplay between chromatin regulation, metabolism, and organismal longevity. Using model organisms and human cellular systems, a major theme of their research is the integration of epigenetic mechanisms with mitochondrial biology, revealing how changes in metabolic state and organelle function shape cellular identity, inflammatory responses, and survival. By combining genetic, biochemical, multi-omics, and cellular approaches, this research provides insights into fundamental mechanisms of biological resilience and highlights potential strategies for understanding and mitigating mitochondrial and age-related disorders.

The group of Dr. Dan Ehninger focuses on understanding the molecular, physiological, and systemic mechanisms underlying biological aging and age-related decline. Using large-scale multi-omics approaches and comprehensive phenotyping in mouse models, their work investigates how aging unfolds across organs and biological systems, revealing tissue-specific and shared trajectories of transcriptomic and proteomic changes. Their research has identified key aging signatures linked to immune regulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, metabolism, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Beyond molecular profiling, they examine how interventions such as dietary modulation and putative anti-aging strategies influence functional outcomes, including reproductive behavior and age-associated phenotypes. A central theme of their work is the development of improved frameworks to distinguish effects on lifespan from genuine modulation of aging processes, emphasizing multidimensional approaches for evaluating aging mechanisms. 

Your role in detail

The PhD student will be co-supervised by and and will work on a research project at the interface of both groups’ areas of expertise.

• Strengthen the collaborative efforts of the two groups in investigating systemic aging and metabolic dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases.
• Develop a research project based on existing datasets while generating new experimental data.
• Support the development of biological clocks capable of predicting disease states and/or alterations in organismal aging trajectories.
• Work hands-on with invertebrate model organisms (Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster).
• Expand expertise in data science approaches for the analysis of multi-omics datasets, including RNA sequencing, proteomics, and metabolomics.
• Demonstrate strong communication skills.
• Work effectively as part of a collaborative team.
• Show commitment to achieving project milestones and meeting deadlines.
• Contribute to the success of the research program.
• Benefit from exciting and fully funded research projects.
• Receive dedicated mentorship.
• Work in an excellent scientific environment at a major center for translational neuroscience research.

Your benefits

• Innovation and internationality:

  A forward-looking infrastructure, modern laboratory and office equipment, software tools and the opportunity for international exchange with your colleagues from 65 nations

• Focus on Development:

  Training programmes tailored to your individual needs and annual HR-development meetings for concrete prospects and potential development

• Work-life balance:

  We reconcile work and private life with flexible working hours, 30 days' holiday (On top free on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve) and subsidised job/ Germany ticket options

• Health promotion:

  Through our extensive range of company health programmes, in cooperation with Sozialwerk.Bund

• Family-conscious corporate culture:

  Because we know that family is important, we support you with our family service

• A feel-good working environment:

  Our Bonn employees enjoy a campus surrounded by greenery, with on-site parking and public transport connections as well our company restaurant

Your application

Excellence in research thrives on diverse perspectives and experiences. We stand for a respectful and open culture. We promote equal opportunities, remove barriers, and welcome applications from people across all dimensions of diversity. We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities.

For further questions regarding the advertised position, please contact Dr. Daniele Bano (daniele.bano@dzne.de).

Christina Graf
Team HR Recruiting
+49 228 43302 134
Category: PhDContract: 3 yearsType: full-time