Postdoctoral Research Associate in tumor immunology (m/w/d)

Düsseldorf University Hospital (UKD) is the largest hospital in the state capital and a leading medical center in North Rhine-Westphalia. With 9,300 employees, UKD and its subsidiaries provide care for over 45,000 inpatients and 270,000 outpatients annually. UKD is renowned for its international excellence in patient care, research and teaching, as well as for innovative and safe diagnostics, therapies and preventive measures. Our patients benefit from the intensive interdisciplinary collaboration among 60 clinics and institutes. The University Hospitals strength lies in the close integration of clinical and research work, paving the way for the safe application of new methods. Tomorrows medicine is being created at UKD. Every day.

The Institute of Molecular Medicine II is looking for a

Postdoctoral Research Associate in tumor immunology (m/w/d)

Start date as soon as possible. The position is subject to the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG, Section 2 (2)) and is initially limited to two years until the end of the project.

The Institute of Molecular Medicine II, headed by Prof. Dr. Philipp Lang, focuses on the molecular basis of infections and immune responses and the development of new therapeutic options in connection with antitumor immune responses. This involves immune mechanisms during chronic viral infections and tumor growth, including innate and adaptive immunity. A central focus lies in understanding immune dysfunctions associated with these diseases. Our goal is to elucidate how chronic viral infections develop and to identify mechanisms that drive tumor growth, thereby contributing to the development of novel therapeutic strategies within a basic research framework. The Institute of Molecular Medicine II is actively involved in several research networks dedicated to these topics and applies a translational approach across its individual research projects.

The current research project will focus on improving immunotherapy regimens. Specifically, several immunotherapy model systems will be applied in preclinical murine models (e.g.: CAR-T, Virotherapy, BiTEs). We aim to use small DNA molecules to cleave target sequences and thereby improve anti-tumor immunity. Experience in immunology, tumor biology, molecular biology, and delivery/lipid nanoparticles combined with enthusiasm about experimental science in an international team is desired.

Your tasks

- Coordination, organization, and scientific implementation of the research project

- Development of new scientific research areas and publication of research results in the form of articles in journals

- Administration of project- and laboratory-related applications, as well as laboratory animal

management

Your profile

- University degree in medicine, biology, biomedicine, or related fields

- Doctorate or Ph.D. related to the advertised areas of responsibility

- Comprehensive experience in immunological and molecular biology in vivo and in vitro techniques

- Profound knowledge of murine animal models

- Successful publication of articles in renowned scientific journals is desirable

- High motivation, dedication, and a passion for making a difference through basic research

In addition, we are looking for

- Interest in translational immunological research

- Ability to work on complex problems in a structured and solution-oriented manner

- Friendly and situation-appropriate communication skills, as well as strong teamwork skills

- Excellent leadership qualities

- Very good verbal and written communication skills in English and preferably also in German