Postdoc position at the Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (LIT) (m/f/d)

Postdoc position (E13) at the Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (LIT) with flexible starting date (m/f/d)

The LIT - Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (foundation under civil law) (http://www.rcii.de/en/ ), formerly RCI – is a biomedical research center focusing on translational immunology in the fields of cancer immunotherapy, transplant rejection and autoimmunity. The objective of the LIT is to develop efficient immune therapeutic strategies in these areas. Close networking between University and University Hospital thus offers high research efficiency and an excellent research environment.

The group of Christian Schmidl (https://www.rcii.de/en/research/careerdevelopment- program/junior-research-group/ ) at the LIT is looking for a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral scientist to pursue cutting-edge research in the field of T cell therapy.

About the project

Our group investigates the principles of gene-regulation in functional and dysfunctional immune cell populations in cancer (Riegel et al. 2023 Molecular Cell). In this project that is supported by the “Deutsche Krebshilfe” (“German Cancer Aid”), we aim to improve chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies by targeting genes and gene-regulatory processes to prevent CAR T cell  dysfunction. Your tasks include:

• CAR T cell design and manufacturing
• Use and further develop CRISPR (epi-)genome editing methods in CAR T cells
• Using cellular (e.g., FACS) and molecular (e.g., single cell analysis, next generation sequencing) methods to characterize cell therapy products
• Test the function of CAR T cells in vitro and in in vivo murine disease models

Requirements

We are looking for a highly motivated scientist who is enthusiastic to work in a young and ambitious team on a competitive project, and who fits the following profile:

• PhD in molecular biology/biochemistry/molecular medicine or related fields
• Creative mind that is eager to shape the project and who wants to make an impact on biomedical research
• Experimental training in molecular cell biology and immunology
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and team spirit
• Experience in genome editing, mouse models (FELASA certificate), and next generation sequencing methods advantageous but not absolutely required
• Strong interest in immunology & cancer

The Schmidl lab

We offer the opportunity to work at the interface of immunology and cancer, which is one of the most exciting fields of recent biomedical research. We provide a dynamic and motivating working environment with flat hierarchies where you can foster your skills and get the opportunity to use top-notch technologies. The small lab size offers excellent mentoring and the opportunity to contribute and develop own ideas. We closely collaborate with experts in cancer immunotherapy and CAR T cells on this project to provide you with the possible support.

The remuneration is based on TV-L.

Moreover, the LIT advocates for the compatibility of family and career.

Disabled applicants (m/f/d) with equal qualifications will receive preferential treatment within the recruitment procedure. Please refer to your disability status already in your application.

Please note that expenses that may arise in the context of an eventual job interview cannot be reimbursed.

For more information, please contact Dr. Schmidl (christian.schmidl(at)ukr.de ). We are looking forward to your detailed application. Please apply via our homepage www.rcii.de quoting the reference CS-2023-2a.

Application deadline is May 26th, 2023.