Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) – Neuro–Tumor Signaling in Pancreatic Cancer

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) invites applications for a full-time two-year postdoctoral position (with a potential one-year extension) investigating the mechanisms by which neuronal activity regulates pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) progression.

The position is embedded in a DFG- and ERC-funded research program focused on deciphering functional neuron–cancer communication and its relevance for pancreatic cancer biology.

The project builds on our recent discovery that PDAC cells establish functional neuron–cancer pseudo-synapses, in which neuronal glutamate activates GRIN2D-containing NMDA receptors and interacts with voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) to regulate tumor-promoting signaling.

You will dissect the underlying GRIN2D–VGCC–Ca² ⁺ –CaMK signaling axis and determine how neuronal activity controls tumor-cell signaling, growth, invasion, and neural interaction.

A central component of the project will be the functional analysis of neuronal and neuron–tumor signaling, combined with advanced confocal and super-resolution microscopy, neuron–cancer co-culture systems and tissue-slice models.

Pharmacological and genetic perturbation strategies will be used to dissect NMDAR and VGCC function and their downstream signaling networks, including CaMKII/ERK and CaMKIV/CREB1/EZH2 pathways.

You will work at the interface of fundamental neuroscience, cancer biology, and translational medicine within an internationally visible DFG- and ERC-funded research program.

We are therefore particularly seeking a candidate with profound hands-on experience in neuronal functional assays, ideally acquired in a renowned neuroscience research environment.

Relevant expertise should include one or more of the following: live-cell and ratiometric calcium imaging of neuronal activity and Ca² ⁺ dynamics, whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology and membrane-potential measurements, multi-electrode array (MEA) recordings, or comparable state-of-the-art approaches for quantitative analysis and manipulation of neuronal function.

We seek a highly motivated scientist with a PhD in neuroscience, neurobiology, physiology, biophysics, cancer biology, or a closely related discipline. Strong experimental expertise in functional neuroscience is essential.

Candidates with substantial experience in calcium imaging, patch-clamp electrophysiology, MEA-based neuronal recordings, or comparable neuronal functional analyses will be particularly encouraged to apply.

Experience in PDAC, cancer neuroscience, or tumor–neuron interactions is advantageous but not required. Previous postdoctoral experience is desirable.

The ability to drive the project with a high degree of excitement is encouraged

The position is based at TUM’s Research Center for Translational Medicine (RDI) and is embedded in an interdisciplinary environment bringing together expertise from the Departments of Neuroscience, Surgery, and Anesthesiology and Intensive Care.

Located in Munich, TUM offers an outstanding international research environment, excellent imaging and electrophysiology infrastructure, and close interactions with leading academic, clinical, and biotechnology institutions.

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

Company pension plan through the Federal and State Pension Institute (VBL)

Self-realization through a varied and technically demanding job with interdisciplinary cooperation between various departments of the TUM Klinikum

Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference where their qualifications are otherwise essentially equivalent.

Unfortunately, application expenses cannot be reimbursed.