Biologist as Postdoc (m/f/d)

Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum; Heidelberg; Vor Ort; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading cancer research center in Heidelberg seeks a motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to study left-right asymmetry in vertebrate development. Responsibilities include investigating cilia-driven flow and FGF signaling dynamics using advanced molecular techniques. Applicants must hold a PhD in developmental biology and possess experience in vertebrate embryology, with good English proficiency. The position offers state-of-the-art facilities, flexible working hours, and a family-friendly environment.

Leistungen

State-of-the-art equipment

30 days of vacation per year

Flexible working hours

Corporate Health Management Program

Subsidized Germany job ticket

Qualifikationen

• Hands-on experience with vertebrate embryology is required.
• Expect very good English skills due to the English-speaking laboratory.

Aufgaben

• Investigate how extracellular signals are shaped by cilia-driven flow.
• Focus on FGF signaling dynamics and receptor trafficking.
• Project can emphasize either Xenopus or mouse embryology.

Kenntnisse

Developmental biology

Vertebrate embryology

Very good English skills

Ausbildung

PhD in developmental biology

Jobbeschreibung

The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) is one of Europe’s largest cancer research centers. “Research for a life without cancer” is the mission of our world‑class scientists and all our team members. The DKFZ is a place where the brightest minds pursue bold ideas and seek answers to pioneering scientific questions through collaboration, innovation, and exploration across many disciplines. We provide a dynamic environment which empowers excellence with state‑of‑the‑art technologies, cutting edge infrastructure, and a global scientific network.

Contribute your knowledge, vision, and dedication to create a space where scientific discovery in cancer research is transformed into benefits for human health.

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.

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. Beside standard molecular embryology techniques, the project will involve advanced imaging, transcriptomics, and embryoid culture.

Qualifications

Applicants should hold a PhD in developmental biology and have hands‑on experience with vertebrate embryology. The laboratory is English‑speaking; we expect very good English skills.

Application process

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].

Benefits

• 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
• Corporate Health Management Program
• DKFZ International Postdoc Program and DKFZ Career Service with targeted personal development offers