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 simply complete a project.

You will work in an internationally competitive cancer neuroscience environment; ERC-, DFG-, Deutsche Krebshilfe- and foundation-funded research programs; highly interdisciplinary collaborations spanning cancer biology, neuroscience, immunology, surgery, pathology, spatial biology and computational biology

We offe you projects with strong potential for high-impact publications and a translational environment with direct access to human cancer material and clinically relevant questions as well as an international network of leading scientists in the emerging field of Cancer Neuroscience

EGYM well pass, corporate benefits and discounts (e.g. Käfer), cafeteria, sports and cultural offers

Working in the heart of Munich at Max-Weber-Platz with very good accessibility by public transport such as the subway, S-Bahn or tram

If the candidates’ suitability for the position in question is equal, severely disabled applicants shall be given preference. Interview-related costs can, unfortunately, not be reimbursed.