Postdoc (f/m/x) Cancer Neuroscience

Overview

Postdoc (f/m/x) Cancer Neuroscience – Department of Translational Genomics - Beleggia Laboratory

TV-L: 38,5 h/week (100%). Initially limited until June 30, 2027 according to WissZeitVG. Salary based on TV-L.

Your tasks

You will take a leading role in a pioneering project to unravel the neurobiology of Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), a devastating disease with urgent clinical needs. Building on our recent landmark discovery that SCLC forms functional synapses with neurons (Sakthivelu et al. Nature, 2025), you will drive research in a cutting-edge field.

Working within a collaborative and thriving SCLC research community, you will be empowered to answer fundamental scientific questions and develop your path to scientific independence. Your core tasks will be:

• To investigate the role of neuron-to-cancer synapses in SCLC development and progression using state-of-the-art in vivo models and co-cultures.
• To elucidate the mechanistic details of how neuronal activity promotes SCLC proliferation and plasticity.
• To dissect the interplay between the nervous system and the tumor microenvironment, particularly its impact on anti-tumor immunity.

Mouse work will be supported by a part-time technical assistant; laboratory work will be supported by motivated students.

Your profile

Required qualifications and attributes:

• A strong record of scientific productivity, demonstrated by at least one first-author publication in a peer-reviewed international journal.
• Exceptional command of either English or German is essential.
• A PhD or equivalent degree in a relevant field such as Cancer Biology, Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, or Immunology.
• A burning passion for cancer research or neuroscience, coupled with the creative vision to drive an independent project.
• Strong leadership skills and a proven ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a team.

Demonstrated skills in one or more of the following areas is a major advantage:

• Mouse models: Hands-on experience with in vivo cancer or neuroscience research.
• Neuroscience: Advanced techniques such as calcium imaging, electrophysiology, or opto-/chemogenetics.
• Cancer research: Deep knowledge of cancer cell biology, signaling pathways, or the tumor microenvironment.
• Imaging: Proficiency in advanced microscopy (e.g., superresolution, two-photon) and/or multiplex imaging of the immune microenvironment.

We explicitly welcome applications from people of all ethnicities, religions, disabilities, ages, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

Our offer

• Everything but ordinary: You can expect a secure job in a challenging, innovative environment – including company pension schemes and regular working hours without business trips.
• Work-life balance: Whether full-time or part-time, with or without children – with numerous support options, we will find the right path together.
• Team spirit in R(h)ine culture: You will be warmly welcomed by an interdisciplinary team that values mutual respect and helpfulness.
• Strong perspectives: We offer extensive training opportunities – so you can continuously grow and set new goals.

Your future with us

We are one of the leading university hospitals in Germany and network research, teaching and health care at the highest level. This provides exciting development opportunities and a collaborative, international work environment. We are committed to supporting all employees in reconciling their job with their goals and life situations.

This is the University Hospital of Cologne: Everything but ordinary.

Contact

Dr. Filippo Beleggia
Tel:
Universitätsklinikum Köln AöR
Geschäftsbereich Personal
Kerpener Str. 62
50937 Köln

Application deadline:
Job-ID: 7unkgjbq

EEO statements

Applications from female candidates are expressly welcome and will be given priority in the event of equal suitability, competence and professional performance. People with disabilities are welcome to apply and will be treated preferentially in the event of equal suitability and qualification. The position is suitable for staffing with part-time employees.

Note: This description includes both German and English sections of the posting as originally provided. Language and terminology reflect the source content.

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