Postdoc - Deciphering resistance against targeted treatments in glioblastoma (m/w/d)

The University Hospital Heidelberg is one of the major healthcare centers in Germany. Our objective is the development of innovative diagnostics and therapies as well as their quick implementation for the patient. With about 14,000 employees in more than 50 specialized clinical departments with almost 2,500 beds, about 80,000 patients in part-time and full-time inpatient treatment as well as 1,000,000 patients in ambulant treatment are medicated each year.

Postdoc - Deciphering resistance against targeted treatments in glioblastoma (m/w/d)

wanted for the next possible date at the Division of Neuro-oncology at the Department of Neurology.

The Department of Neurology at Heidelberg University Hospital is looking for a postdoctoral researcher (PhD, MD, or equivalent) to work as part of the established Collaborative Research Center (Sonderforschungsbereich) CRC/SFB 1389 Understanding and Targeting Resistance in Glioblastoma (UNITE Glioblastoma). UNITE is supported by the Heidelberg Medical Faculty, Mannheim Medical Faculty and the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ). These institutions stand out for their strong emphasis on interdisciplinary biomedical research and integrate adult and pediatric brain tumor expertise and networks at all levels. UNITE focuses on unraveling mechanisms of intrinsic resistance and mechanisms of resistance conferred by the microenvironment. Utilizing state-of the art technological innovation, novel high-throughput technologies, preclinical models, and AI based computational analytical tools are developed, applied, and shared as a resource within the initiative. Integrated cores for tissue material, including a core set of jointly used patient-derived models, and integrative data analysis support all principle investigators to efficiently use personal multi-dimensional-omic data for therapy guidance and precision medicine. By drawing a multidimensional map of therapy resistance, UNITE aims to develop concepts to predict and monitor treatment response and failure, and ultimately, to invent novel (combination) therapies for glioblastoma patients.

• Job-ID: V
• Field of application: Neurologische Klinik
• Location: Heidelberg
• Job Category: Science and teaching
• Working hours: full-time
• Limitation: Temporary (2 years, extension is sought)
• Contract: TV-L

The Postdoc position will be part of Work Package A03 “Deciphering Resistance Against Targeted Treatments- (Principal Investigators: Prof. Dr. med. Wolfgang Wick, PD Dr. med. Tobias Kessler). In this project, preclinical models and cohort-derived tissues of patients with newly diagnosed and recurrent glioblastoma will be used to decipher molecular, cellular and imaging determinants of response and resistance to precision treatments in glioblastoma. With this research, patient groups likely to benefit from a molecularly targeted intervention will be characterized, drug vulnerabilities directly tested on patient tissue with state of the art screening methods, predictive biomarkers selected and prioritized, and parallel as well as subsequent treatments will be developed to enhance therapeutic benefit in selected molecularly defined subgroups. Specifically, the postdoc researcher will be responsible for

• CRISPR based drug screening of freshly derived human glioblastoma
• Development of computational analytical tools
• Analysis and tackling of resistance mechanisms
• Development of a drug decision algorithm based on clinical and preclinical evidence

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher or physician scientist with a strong background in molecular biology, neurosciences and/or neuro-oncology.

Your Qualifications:

• PhD and/or MD in life sciences, molecular/cellular biology, neurobiology or closely related discipline
• Experience with experimental work involving molecular, cellular and imaging techniques
• Strong proficiency in bioinformatics as well as the analysis, interpretation and integration of complex scientific and clinical data
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team of students, postdocs and clinical personnel
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required
• Scientific records will be considered in the evaluation

• Collectively agreed remuneration TV-L E13, attractive company pension scheme (VBL)
• 30 days vacation
• Sustainable travel: job ticket
• Family-friendly working environment: cooperative arrangements for childcare, subsidy for child vacation care, advice for employees with relatives in need of care
• Wide range of health, prevention and sports offers

Note: The UKHD is subject to the provisions of the Infektionsschutzgesetz. Therefore, a valid measles immunity certificate is required for all persons employed at the UKHD.

The UKHD embraces diversity and values diversity.

Regardless of age, gender, sexual identity, disability, origin or religion, we offer everyone the same opportunities. If one gender is underrepresented in a particular area, we place particular emphasis on counteracting this imbalance. If they have the same aptitude, qualifications and professional performance, we give priority to people with severe disabilities when considering them for vacancies.

Classification is based on qualifications and personal requirements. The salary (gross) is for a full-time position and does not include the annual bonus or other allowances.