PhD Student (m / f / x) in Molecular Epidemiology

The research group “Molecular Epidemiology of Aging”, led by Dr. Dan Liu, is seeking a highly motivated PhD Candidate in Molecular Epidemiology to be based at the headquarters of the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) in Bonn, Germany. We are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious early-career researcher with a strong interest in investigating multi-omic and multimodal brain imaging signatures of glymphatic function in the context of aging and cerebral small vessel disease (sCVD).

About the Research Group and Project

The Molecular Epidemiology of Aging research group aims to unravel the molecular drivers of human aging and to understand how lifestyle and environmental factors shape these processes across the adult lifespan. The advertised PhD position is embedded in the ANR-DFG funded international collaborative project “Multi-SVD-glyph”, conducted in partnership with the DZNE, the Paris Brain Institute, and the University of Bordeaux. Within this framework, this PhD project will specifically aim to identify (epi)genetic and proteomic determinants of glymphatic system function and white matter pathology, contributing to a deeper understanding of sCVD and brain aging. The work will be carried out in close collaboration with national and international partners.

The project will leverage large-scale population-based cohorts, in particular the Rhineland Study, which is spearheaded by Prof. Dr. Dr. Monique M. B. Breteler. The Rhineland Study includes comprehensive multi-omics data, including (epi)genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, lipidomics, and proteomics, advanced MRI data, as well as extensive behavioral and clinical data, including cognitive and neurological assessments, cardiovascular and anthropometric assessments, sensory systems tests, medical history, and medication use. The study currently includes over 12,500 individuals, nearly 5,000 of whom already have longitudinal data. Additional baseline and follow-up data collection is ongoing.

As a PhD candidate, you will

• Conduct research in molecular epidemiology of aging in humans, with a focus on epigenetics and proteomics
• Perform integrative analyses combining multi-omics data with brain imaging measures
• Contribute to omics data processing, statistical analyses, and the preparation of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Present research findings at national and international conferences and within the project consortium
• Actively participate in project-related meetings, documentation, and reporting of project progress
• Contribute to ongoing projects within the group and develop independent research ideas

You will have the opportunity to work closely with international collaborators, enhancing your academic training, scientific visibility, and professional network.

Required

Desirable

We seek a highly motivated and curious researcher who is eager to grow scientifically and professionally. Your independent, goal-oriented work style, combined with strong teamwork and communication skills, will make you an excellent fit for our group and the broader collaborative project.