PhD position in RNA Modifications Ruggieri Lab at Heidelberg University

Posted on:
July 9, 2026

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to join the project “
Epitranscriptome Remodeling in Viral Myocarditis
.” Viral myocarditis is primarily caused by the cardiotropic virus Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3), a nonenveloped positive-sense RNA virus. RNA molecules contain a wide range of chemical modifications that influence their structure, stability, and interactions, and ability to be distinguished from foreign RNAs by the immune system. RNA modifications have been identified as regulators of the immune response in both physiological and disease processes, including viral infection.

Yet, their role in viral myocarditis remains largely unexplored. You will investigate two mechanistically interconnected aspects: (i) how CVB3 reshapes the epitranscriptomic landscape of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, determining infection outcomes and cardiac remodeling during viral myocarditis, and (ii) CVB3 genome RNA modifications and their implications for viral replication and spread. Beyond elucidating molecular mechanisms, this project establishes a framework to understand how RNA modification–driven processes contribute to infectious and cardiac pathologies.

These insights will advance the development of RNA-based diagnostics and identify novel therapeutic targets for myocarditis, a major cause of heart inflammation with limited treatment options. This project is in close collaboration with Dr. Isabel Naarmann-de Vries at the Klaus Tschira Institute for Integrative Computational Cardiology, Heidelberg, Germany, an expert on the detection of RNA modifications by Nanopore direct RNA sequencing.

Your profile

• Master’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, virology, or a closely related field.
• Strong passion for science, with a particular enthusiasm for RNA biology and an interest in synthetic/translational RNA applications.
• Strong experience with standard molecular biology techniques, including hands on work with RNA.
• Clear ambition to develop into an independent scientist.
• High reliability, strong initiative, and enjoyment of troubleshooting.
• Ability to work both autonomously and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

We offer

• A joint mentorship and integrated training in both groups, gaining interdisciplinary scientific expertise.
• A stimulating interdisciplinary and supportive research environment at the interface of fundamental and translational RNA biology at Heidelberg University.
• Access to state-of-the-art technologies for RNA modification analysis, sequencing, and structural biology.
• Integration into the DFG-funded graduate school “Young Researchers in RNA Modifications and Processing” of the Collaborative Research Center 319. This program offers specialized training in RNA biology and RNA modifications as well as soft skills and career development training.
• A fully funded 3-year PhD position in accordance with DFG guidelines

Final date to receive applications
:
August 02, 2026

Planned start of the project
:
October 01, 2026

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