Postdoctoral Research Associate on Investigation of Immunotherapies at the Nanoscale

Postdoctoral Research Associate on Investigation of Immunotherapies at the Nanoscale

For the Cell Observatory lab (headed by Dr. Arindam Ghosh) at the NCT WERA site in Würzburg, the German Cancer Research Center is looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate on Investigation of Immunotherapies at the Nanoscale.

The newly established Ghosh lab focuses on ‘Target Screening and Immunoreceptor Engineering’. We utilize cutting‑edge fluorescence imaging modalities, namely single‑molecule localization microscopy (SMLM), lattice light‑sheet microscopy (LLSM), and expansion microscopy (ExM), to investigate the (a) molecular binding mechanisms and dynamic interactions of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with target antigens on tumor cell membranes and (b) cell–cell interactions between chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) engineered T cells and tumor cells. The scientific aims and scope of the research group are cross‑disciplinary, with strong core expertise in biophysics and cell biology, and a clinical focus on hematological malignancies.

Key references:

• Ghosh, Arindam, Mara Meub, Dominic A. Helmerich, Julia Weingart, Patrick Eiring, Thomas Nerreter, K. Martin Kortüm, Sören Doose, and Markus Sauer. "Decoding the molecular interplay of CD20 and therapeutic antibodies with fast volumetric nanoscopy." Science 387, no. ): eadq4510.
• Riester, Zeno, Marlena Surowka, Nicole Seifert, Diana Darowski, Arindam Ghosh, Peter Spieler, Justus Weber et al. "Co‑expression of an adapter CAR retains efficacy of CAR T cells after single and dual antigen loss in lymphoma." Molecular Therapy (2025).

Your Tasks

Our current research efforts are focused on molecular mapping of bispecific antibody‑mediated immune synapse architecture, quantitative imaging of receptor clustering, actin organization at the synapse, and understanding the overall molecular binding and cytotoxicity activity mechanisms of therapeutic antibodies. Key targets under investigation are GPRC5D and BCMA. The prospective candidate is expected to design and implement imaging experimental workflows (SMLM and/or LLSM and/or expansion microscopy) with the aim of visualizing the spatial organization of receptors and cytoskeletal proteins at the T cell‑tumor cell junctions and how they correlate with the mechanistic success of cytotoxic pathways. Furthermore, we also aim to implement real‑time 4D imaging experiments for dynamic visualization of antigen‑antibody interactions and antigen internalization.

Your Profile

• Master's degree and PhD in biophysics / cell biology / cancer biology
• Background knowledge on emerging immunotherapies in treating hematological malignancies
• Experience with hands‑on cell culture, transfection, and immunostaining
• Experience with fluorescence imaging, in particular, single‑molecule localization microscopy (SMLM)
• Strong track record of scientific communication, as evidenced by publication history
• Track record of collaborative work across disciplines
• Proficiency in spoken and written English

Experience with the following is a plus:

• Expansion microscopy

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. occupational pension plan and capital‑forming payments
• 30 days of vacation per year
• 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

Application Information

Duration: The position is initially limited to 3 years.

Application Deadline:

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

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.

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