Group Leader (m/f/d) – Oncoimmunology and Tumor Metabolism for Colorectal Cancer

Group Leader (m/f/d) – Oncoimmunology and Tumor Metabolism for Colorectal Cancer

The Department of General and Visceral Surgery (Head: Prof. Dr. Stefan Fichtner-Feigl), University Medical Center Freiburg offers as soon as possible the position of a Group Leader (m/f/d) – Oncoimmunology and Tumor Metabolism for Colorectal Cancer.

About us:

• The Department of General and Visceral Surgery conducts basic, translational, and clinical research at the interface of immunology and oncology with a strong focus on colorectal cancer (CRC) and the tumor microenvironment, including microbiome-driven mechanisms, murine and human organoid systems, and cutting‑edge next‑generation sequencing approaches.
• You will work in an international, interdisciplinary environment together with basic scientists, surgeons, clinician scientists, and bioinformaticians.

Your role:

• Lead and strategically develop a laboratory program in research focused on oncoimmunology and tumor metabolism in colorectal cancer within the scientific framework of TRR417 (
• Design and execute high‑impact basic and translational studies interrogating the CRC tumor microenvironment, immune modulation, and metabolic crosstalk
• Establish, optimise, and supervise advanced model systems
• Murine in‑vivo models (including transgenic/knockout lines)
• Human organoid platforms, including murine organoid‑driven metastatic CRC mouse models and ex‑vivo tissue culture workflows
• Oversee high‑end next‑generation sequencing pipelines
• Single‑cell multi‑omics (e.g., scRNA‑seq and related modalities) and spatial transcriptomics
• Coordinate data generation with bioinformatics partners and ensure reproducible analysis pipelines in line with TRR417 standards
• Build and manage compliant biobanking workflows (solid tissue and liquid biospecimens)
• Drive collaborative projects within TRR417; ensure scientific fit and active contribution to the consortium’s objectives
• Mentor and supervise team members (PhD students, postdocs, technicians); foster an inclusive, high‑performance lab culture
• Contribute to grant applications, reporting duties, and high‑quality scientific publications

Your profile:

PhD/Dr. rer. nat. (or equivalent) and completed postdoctoral training

Oncoimmunology and/or tumour metabolism with a strong scientific track record; prior experience in colorectal cancer research is advantageous but not mandatory

Murine experimental models and human organoid systems

High‑end NGS: single‑cell and spatial technologies

Biobanking of solid and liquid specimens

Strong publication record commensurate with a lab leadership role; experience in third‑party funding is an advantage

Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage complex projects, and collaborate across disciplines (wet lab, clinical, and computational)

Excellent communication skills in English; German language skills are a plus but not mandatory

Clear motivation and concept for aligning your research with the aims of TRR417; please outline this fit in your cover letter

We offer:

• An exciting leadership role in an internationally visible research environment with state‑of‑the‑art infrastructure
• Close collaboration with partners in TRR417 across immunology, oncology, microbiology, and bioinformatics
• An interdisciplinary team culture spanning basic scientists, surgeons, clinician scientists, and bioinformaticians
• Employment, salary, and benefits according to the German public sector (TV‑L) pay scale
• Unless prevented by operational or legal reasons, full‑time positions are generally open to job sharing; where candidates are equally suitable, severely disabled applicants will be given priority. Employment decisions are made by the Personnel Department.

Notes:

The University Medical Center Freiburg engages in research, teaching, and healthcare as core responsibilities, aiming to translate cutting‑edge science into patient care.

Please apply via the University Medical Center Freiburg online application portal (reference: Lab Head – Surgical Research, Oncoimmunology CRC). We look forward to receiving your application documents.

Application:

Please submit your application in English (single PDF preferred) including:

• Cover letter (max. 2 pages), explicitly describing your fit to TRR417 and your lab leadership vision
• CV with publication list and brief statement of contributions to key papers
• Certificates/transcripts (PhD and earlier degrees)
• Contact details of 2–3 referees

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Prof. Dr. Stefan Fichtner-Feigl: