Postdoc (m/f/d) in Molecular Cell Biology/Biochemistry

EG 13/14 TV-L, 39,8 hours per week, limited to 2 years with the possibility of extension.

The Cell Biology group of the Institute of Physiology and Cell Biology. Starting date: as soon as possible.

Area of responsibility

The Institute of Physiology and Cell Biology aims to recruit a highly motivated post-doctoral scientist to join the newly established Cell Biology group, headed by Prof. Dr. Sjoerd van Wijk. In a project funded by the German Cancer Aid (Deutsche Krebshilfe) we will study how changes in STING turnover can be applied to sensitize apoptosis-resistant pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) towards alternative killing in pre-clinical settings. To this end, we will combine advanced biochemistry, incl. proximity-based interactomics, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing and primary human PDAC organoids with cytokine- and cell-based immunotherapies and state-of-the-art imaging technologies, incl. 3D light-sheet fluorescence microscopy and advanced laser-scanning fluorescence microscopy.

This project closely aligns with our general research interests that focus on how ubiquitination and autophagy control cell survival, programmed cell death and inflammation in broad pathophysiological settings, including oncology and infection. We use human and animal pre-clinical experimental systems, including cell lines, primary cells, organoids and iPSC-derived cells, that will be integrated with cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology and omics approaches. For examples of recent research output, see Wächtershäuser et al (2026), Signal Transduct Target Ther, 11(1):204; Zein et al (2025), Autophagy, 21(5):1075-1095 and Weinelt et al (2024), Cell Death Dis, 15(1):77.

Recruitment requirements

• Independent experimental scientific research in Molecular Cell Biology/ Biochemistry.
• Teaching and supervision of Bachelor, Master and PhD students.
• Support in 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 of the German Research Foundation.

Required professional knowledge and personal skills

• Willingness to develop independent research questions and participate in the preparation of publications and grant applications.
• Flexibility and willingness to rapidly familiarize oneself with new technologies and research areas.
• Excellent organizational, communication and teamwork skills, flexibility, open-mindedness, curiosity, responsible work ethics and a passion for scientific research.
• Independent, structured and solution-oriented working style as part of a young, dynamic and international team.
• Interested in shaping the scientific culture and collaborative environment of a newly established research group.
• High intrinsic motivation, proactive and conceptual thinking skills combined with the ability to develop innovative solutions in a competitive, dynamic and international scientific environment.

What we offer

• Special annual bonus
• Flexible working hours
• 30 days holiday
• Additional retirement arrangement: Pension Institution of the Federal Republic and the Federal States (the company pension of the public service)
• Staff canteen with discount meal offers
• Participation in university sports at a discount
• Targeted further education and training opportunities
• Family friendliness
• Appreciative working atmosphere with contemporary management culture

The employment relationship is subject to the public sector collective agreement on the federal states (TV-L). Severely disabled applicants will be given priority in the case of equal suitability. The University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover particularly wants to promote the professional equality of men and women. Therefore, it strives to increase the underrepresented gender in the respective area.