Postdoctoral Researcher; m​/f​/d Experimental Cancer Neuroscience

We are seeking an exceptional and highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join our internationally active research group at the interface of cancer biology, neuroscience and tumor immunology. Our group investigates how the nervous system shapes tumor initiation, progression, invasion, metastasis and cancer-associated symptoms, with a particular focus on pancreatic cancer and cancer neuroscience. We combine mechanistic cancer biology with neuroscience, immunology, advanced in vivo models, spatial and single-cell technologies, functional imaging and translational human studies.

Our ambition is clear: to define and lead emerging concepts in cancer neuroscience rather than merely follow them. The laboratory operates in a highly competitive and well-funded environment with support from, among others, the European Research Council (ERC), Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), Deutsche Krebshilfe and Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung, and is embedded in a strong national and international network in cancer neuroscience.

The successful candidate will take a central scientific role in our experimental program and will contribute to the conception, execution and development of ambitious projects addressing neural–tumor–immune interactions.

Depending on expertise, projects may include:

• mechanistic studies of neuron–cancer and neuro–immune interactions
• functional characterization of neural signaling pathways in cancer
• genetically engineered and orthotopic in vivo tumor models
• manipulation of neuronal, immune and tumor-cell populations
• advanced imaging and molecular phenotyping
• integration of molecular, cellular and spatial data with functional experiments
• development of new experimental concepts and therapeutic strategies in cancer neuroscience

A particularly important aspect of the position is the strategic management and further development of our animal experimentation platform.

This may include:

• preparation and coordination of animal study applications and amendments
• planning and supervision of complex in vivo experiments
• establishment and optimization of experimental mouse models
• management of genetically modified mouse colonies
• breeding strategy, genotyping and colony planning
• coordination with animal facilities, authorities and collaborating laboratories
• implementation of high standards in experimental design, documentation and animal welfare

We are looking for a scientist with a strong experimental background in at least one – preferably several – of the following fields:
Cancer Biology | Tumor Immunology | Neuroscience | Neuroimmunology | Molecular Biology

You should have:

• a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in a relevant life-science discipline
• substantial hands-on experience in experimental biomedical research as well as experience with in vivo models, ideally tumor models and/or neuroscience models
• strong expertise in molecular and cellular biology and the ability to independently design, troubleshoot and drive complex experiments
• excellent scientific communication skills in English
• a highly collaborative but intellectually independent working style

Particularly desirable is extensive experience with:

• animal experimentation and experimental planning and preparation or management of animal experimentation applications
• genetically engineered mouse models as well as mouse breeding and colony management
• tumor models and neuroscience or neuroimmunology techniques

This is not intended to be a purely technical postdoctoral position.

We offer the opportunity to become a scientifically visible and intellectually independent member of a rapidly developing research program, with substantial room to shape projects and develop an individual research profile.

Our goal is to attract scientists who want to build a field, not…