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

German Cancer Research Center in the Helmholtz Association (DKFZ); Deutschland; Vor Ort; EUR 50.000 - 60.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading cancer research institute in Germany is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate cilia-driven flow and symmetry breaking in vertebrate embryology. The ideal candidate holds a PhD in developmental biology with hands-on experience and excellent English skills. The position offers excellent framework conditions and numerous benefits, including flexible working hours and access to international networking opportunities. Join us in contributing to vital cancer research for a better future.

Leistungen

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

Access to DKFZ career service for personal development

Holistic approach to well-being through health management programs

Qualifikationen

• PhD in developmental biology and hands-on experience with vertebrate embryology.
• Very good English skills are expected.
• Experience with advanced imaging and transcriptomics is a plus.

Aufgaben

• Investigate cilia-driven flow effects on symmetry breaking.
• Examine FGF signaling dynamics and receptor trafficking.
• Engage in Xenopus or mouse embryology/embryoid research.

Kenntnisse

Vertebrate embryology

Excellent English skills

Hands-on experience with molecular embryology techniques

Ausbildung

PhD in developmental biology

Jobbeschreibung

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

Reference number: 2025-0328

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.

Application

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

Contact

Prof. Dr. Christof Niehrs
Phone: [phone]

The position is limited to 3 years.

Application Deadline

09.01.2026

Applications by e-mail cannot be accepted. Please also note that we cannot return applications submitted by post.

Are you interested?

Then become part of the DKFZ and join us in contributing to a life without cancer!

Notice

We are subject to the regulations of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG). Therefore, all our employees must provide proof of immunity against measles.

We are convinced that an innovative research and working environment thrives on the diversity of its employees. Therefore, we welcome applications from talented people, regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical ability, religion and age. People with severe disabilities are given preference if they have the same aptitude.

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www.dkfz.de