Biologist as Postdoc (m/f/d)

DKFZ Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum; Heidelberg; Vor Ort; EUR 40.000 - 55.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading cancer research center in Heidelberg seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate left-right asymmetry in development. Candidates should hold a PhD in developmental biology with experience in vertebrate embryology. The role involves advanced imaging and transcriptional studies. The position offers excellent working conditions, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional development with a competitive salary and benefits.

Leistungen

30 days of vacation per year

Flexibility in working hours

Possibility of mobile and part-time work

Corporate health management program

Subsidized Germany job ticket

Access to international networking opportunities

Qualifikationen

• Hands-on experience with vertebrate embryology required.
• Strong scientific writing and publication track record.

Aufgaben

• Investigate how extracellular signals shape cilia-driven flow.
• Perform advanced imaging and transcriptomics.
• Utilize techniques in molecular embryology.

Kenntnisse

Vertebrate embryology

Research publication experience

Fluent English

Ausbildung

PhD in developmental biology

Jobbeschreibung

Postdoctoral Researcher - Left-Right Asymmetry in Xenopus and Mouse Development

Reference number: 2025-0328

• Heidelberg
• Full-time
• Molecular Embryology

Research Focus Of The Division

Vertebrate organ laterality relies on cilia-driven leftward flow in the left-right organizer (LRO), but the identity and mechanism of the flow-transported symmetry-breaking cue has long remained elusive. Defects in this process are a major cause of laterality disorders and are tightly linked to congenital heart defects, where incorrect left-right patterning can lead to abnormal cardiac looping, malpositioning, and complex structural malformations.

Building on our recent work identifying R-Spondin 2 (Rspo2) as a flow-mediated, sinistralizing signal in the Xenopus LRO, we are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist to extend and mechanistically deepen these discoveries.

Key Publications

• Lee H, Camuto CM, Niehrs C. R-Spondin 2 governs Xenopus left-right body axis formation by establishing an FGF signaling gradient. Nat Commun (2024). PMID: 38307837.
• Niehrs C, Zapparoli E, Lee H. ‘Three signals - three body axes’ as patterning principle in bilaterians. Cells Dev (2024). PMID: 39121910.

Your Tasks

You will investigate how extracellular signals are shaped by cilia-driven flow to break symmetry and how FGF signaling dynamics and receptor trafficking encode the LR vector. Depending on your profile, the project can emphasize Xenopus - or mouse embryology/embryoid research. Besides standard molecular embryology techniques, the project will involve advanced imaging, transcriptomics, and embryoid culture.

Your Profile

Applicants should hold a PhD in developmental biology and have hands-on experience with vertebrate embryology. We are an English-speaking laboratory, so we expect very good English skills.

Interested applicants should submit their documents via our online application tool. The cover letter should state research and career interests, availability date, a list of publications, and details of two references. Incomplete applications will not be considered or acknowledged. Questions may be addressed to [e-mail].

We Offer

• Excellent framework conditions: state-of-the-art equipment and opportunities for international networking at the highest level.
• Remuneration according to TV-L incl. company pension scheme and capital-forming benefits.
• 30 days of vacation per year.
• Flexible working hours.
• Possibility of mobile work and part-time work.
• Family-friendly working environment.
• Sustainable travel to work: subsidized Germany job ticket.
• Our Corporate Health Management Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being.
• Develop your full potential: access to the DKFZ International Postdoc Program and DKFZ Career Service with targeted offers for your personal development to further develop your talents.