Postdoc (m/f/d)

The Institute of Physiology and Cell Biology aims to recruit a highly motivated post-doctoral scientist to join the Cell Biology group, headed by Prof. Dr. Sjoerd van Wijk. We study how ubiquitination and autophagy control cell survival, programmed cell death, inflammation and cell differentiation in broad pathophysiological settings, including oncology and infection. For this, human and animal pre-clinical experimental systems, including cell lines, primary cells, organoids and iPSC-derived cells, will be integrated with cell biology with biochemistry, molecular biology and omics approaches, including CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, super-resolution and confocal microscopy and mass-spectrometry. For examples of recent research, see Wächtershäuser et al, Signal Transduct Target Ther, 11(1):204; Zein et al, Autophagy, 21(5):1075-1095 and Weinelt et al, Cell Death Dis, 15(1):77.

The position will be closely involved in shaping the research group, setting up the lab and planning and performing independent research at the interface of cell biology, biochemistry and molecular biology with imaging and computational data analysis. The successful candidate will play central roles in collaborations between different scientific and clinical research groups and in developing innovative approaches in comparative cell biology to improve animal and human health. The position furthermore combines opportunities for teaching, scientific and academic qualification (Habilitation) and the development of independent research projects within the scope of the group.

Key Focus Areas:

• Independent experimental scientific research in comparative cell biology.
• Teaching and supervision of Bachelor, Master and PhD students/Habilitation.
• Coordination of lab setup and daily running.
• Contribution to the development and implementation of integrative analytical approaches for cell biology, biochemistry and molecular biology, incl. multi-omics, CRISPR/Cas-based approaches, imaging and bioinformatic image analysis.
• Support in the analysis of large datasets (e.g., RNA-seq, single-cell data and imaging).
• Support in the preparation of scientific publications and grant applications, for example for the German Research Foundation.
• Organization of scientific exchange activities, workshops and project meetings.

• A university degree and doctoral degree/PhD in (Molecular) Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biology, Veterinary Medicine ("Approbation"), or a related discipline.
• Excellent written and spoken German and English language skills.
• Experience with, or strong interest in, multiscale imaging, CRISPR/Cas-based methods and primary cell/tissue culture (organoids).
• Basic knowledge in the analysis of high-dimensional biological datasets, particularly microscopic datasets.
• Knowledge of additional disciplines, including systems biology, gene regulation, epigenomics or multiscale data integration, is advantageous.

• Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts across disciplinary boundaries.
• Independent, structured and solution-oriented working style.
• Excellent organizational, communication and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to contribute to scientific coordination, develop independent research questions and participate in the preparation of publications and grant applications.
• Curious, strong analytical and conceptual thinking skills combined with the ability to develop innovative solutions.
• Flexibility and willingness to rapidly familiarize oneself with new technologies and research areas.