Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology

Scientific Group Leader (m/f/d) in the area of Genome Editing

The Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI EVA) brings together scientists from diverse backgrounds (natural sciences and humanities) with the aim of investigating the history of humankind from an interdisciplinary perspective using comparative analyses of genes, cultures, cognitive abilities, languages and social systems of past and present human populations, as well as those of primates closely related to humans.

Scientific Group Leader (m/f/d)
 in the area of Genome Editing

as of January 1, 2026, full-time (39 hours/week), limited to 6 years

Your tasks
We look for a group with experience in genome editing in mammalian cells and an interest in developing methods and approaches to do multiplexed precise editing in stem cells to recreate ancestral and archaic genotypes of relevance for recent human evolution in order to explore their physiological consequences in collaboration with other groups inside and outside the department.

• You will manage a research team focusing on the recreation of ancestral genotypes and functional genomic studies in human stem cells.
• You will be responsible for developing and implementing cutting-edge genome editing techniques, including prime editing and large-scale knock-in strategies.
• You will advise and guide students and technicians in German and English on state-of-the-art genome engineering and relevant quality controls.
• You will develop new strategies for DNA repair pathway modulation, multiplexed editing, and functional characterization of evolutionary variants.
• You will manage research resources, funding, and laboratory infrastructure, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
• You will coordinate scientific publications, patents, and knowledge transfer efforts stemming from your group’s work.
• You have experience in the supervision of students and in acquiring third party funding

Your profile

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Biology or other relevant field
• M.Sc. and B.Sc. in a research-relevant discipline
• Experience in the field of CRISPR/Cas genome editing
• Experience with multiplexed genome engineering, DNA repair pathway modulation, prime editing, and the design of innovative editing strategies in mammalian stem cells is desirable
• Experience of collaborative interdisciplinary research, project coordination, and knowledge transfer through publications and patents
• The ability to work independently as well as excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Our offer

• Remuneration and benefits according to the collective agreement of the public service (TVöD Bund) up to pay group 15 (TV EntgO Bund) with a yearly group budget
• Flexible working hours
• 30 days of paid vacation, additional free days on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve (December 24th and December 31st)
• Company pension plan (VBL) for your retirement security
• Measures to promote work-life balance, including assistance with childcare arrangements
• German Job Ticket (DJT) to support your mobility
• The Max Planck Society offers its employees a comprehensive training program and social benefits in accordance with the regulations of the civil service

Have we piqued your interest?

Then we look forward to receiving your application! Please send your documents to: genetics_office@eva.mpg.de

The application deadline is September 22, 2025.

The Max Planck Society and the Department of Evolutionary Genetics at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology are committed to employing individuals with disabilities and especially encourages them to apply. Additionally, we seek to increase diversity of our workforce in areas where it is underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourage women and members of underrepresented groups, and those with cross-disciplinary career paths in life sciences, to apply. Information about the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology can be found here: https://www.eva.mpg.de.



The Max Planck Society is committed to equal opportunities and to employing individuals with disabilities and explicitly encourages them to apply.
We look forward to receiving your completed application.

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