Postdoc Molecular Biology Research in AML - Acute Myeloid Leukemia (m/f/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.

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher starting March 2026 to join the research group of Dr. Michael Hoetker.

The Hoetker lab at the University Hospital Heidelberg focuses on the corruption of cellular identity in hematologic malignancies. In this project, we aim to decode epigenetic principles of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), understanding how the rewiring of chromatin landscapes contributes to the development and maintenance of malignant programs. The final aim of our studies is to translate our experimental findings into novel treatment strategies for patients at diagnosis and relapse.

The Department of Internal Medicine V of Heidelberg University Hospital is a leading center for research in Hematology and Oncology and provides numerous training opportunities with access to cutting‑edge techniques. The location of Heidelberg offers state‑of‑the‑art infrastructure in a highly collaborative environment (NCT, DKFZ and EMBL Heidelberg).

Job-ID: V

Field of application: Klinik für Hämatologie, Onkologie und Rheumatologie

Location: Heidelberg

Job Category: Science and teaching

Working hours: full-time (100%)

Limitation: Temporary (12 months, extension possible)

Contract: TV-L

Your tasks

• Investigate epigenetic mechanisms underlying AML by dissecting how altered chromatin states disrupt differentiation and maintain leukemia in a collaborative team of biologists and medical scientists
• Focus on chromatin biology and its interplay with transcriptional dysregulation in cancer
• Work with cell line systems, hiPSC‑based disease models, primary patient samples, and PDX models
• Plan and perform experiments within the framework of the scientific project plan, including epigenetic assays, gene expression analysis, cloning, lentiviral transductions, and genome editing
• Prepare and present project reports and contribute to publications

Your profile

• MD or PhD in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or equivalent
• Strong expertise in molecular biology techniques including Western blotting, immunoprecipitations, epigenetic assays, cloning, cell culture, lentiviral transductions, and gene expression analysis
• Experience with at least two of the following: flow cytometry, microscopy, NGS techniques and analysis, CRISPR‑based epigenetic or genome editing
• Interest and ideally hands‑on experience in bioinformatics analysis of NGS data (ChIP‑seq, CUT&Tag, RNA‑seq, ATAC‑seq)
• Demonstrated ability in writing scientific reports and papers
• Proficiency with MS Office, graphic programs (Illustrator, ImageJ), statistical software (GraphPad Prism), and bioinformatics tools (R, BLAST)
• Fluent in both written and spoken English

What we offer

• Goal‑oriented, individual training and development opportunities including conferences and workshops
• Working with the latest techniques / technical equipment in a state‑of‑the‑art research environment
• Flexible working hours within the framework of flexitime
• Possibility of habilitation
• Collectively agreed remuneration according to 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

Contact & Application

For further information please contact Dr. Michael Hoetker via

Interested?

Applications will be accepted direct online.

Klinik für Hämatologie, Onkologie und Rheumatologie

Dr. Michael Hoetker, head of group

Im Neuenheimer Feld 410

69120 Heidelberg

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 (gross) is for a full‑time position and does not include the annual bonus or other allowances.