Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) – Translational Cancer Immunology / CAR T Cell Therapy

TheUniversity of Regensburg is a research-driven, interdisciplinary campus university in Germany with over 20,000 students and a strong international reputation in biomedical research.

At theChair of Experimental Medicine and Therapy Research , in the laboratory ofDr. Melanie Werner-Klein ( we are inviting applications for ahighly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join aGerman Cancer Aid (DKH)-funded, high-impact translational cancer immunology project .

This project addresses one of the most urgent unmet needs in oncology: the prevention of metastatic disease. Metastases are responsible for the majority of cancer-related deaths, and despite major advances in immunotherapy, effective adjuvant strategies capable of eliminating disseminated tumor cells before metastatic outgrowth remain largely unavailable.

Building on our recently published work in Nature Cancer (doi: /s -w), this position offers the opportunity to independently design and lead a postdoctoral research project focused on developing adjuvant CAR T cell therapies targeting melanoma metastasis founder cells.A central component of the project is the use of advanced preclinical in vitro and in vitromodelsinclucing genetic engineering of T cells to address mechanistic and translational questions relevant to clinical application.

Your responsibilities

• Independently design, execute, and lead a postdoctoral research project at the interface of tumor immunology, metastasis biology, and CAR T cell therapy
• Establish, optimize, and applypreclinical in vivocancermodels
• Analyze and interpret complex datasets and translate experimental findings into a clinically meaningful context Publish results in high-impact international journals.

Your profile

• PhD in tumor immunology, cancer biology, molecular medicine, or a closely related field
• Strong scientific interest in cancer immunotherapy and metastasis biology
• Documented hands-on experience with preclinical in vivo cancer models is required
• Experience in T cell biology and/or CAR T cell engineering and therapy is highly desirable
• Ability to work independently and drive a research project forward with high motivation
• Excellent command of English (written and spoken); German language skills are a plus

We offer

• Afully funded postdoctoral position for 3 yearsin a supportive academic environment
• Access to cutting-edge infrastructure, animal facilities, and advanced technologies
• Strong mentoring, excellent opportunities for high-impact publications, and career development toward academic independence
• Salary in accordance with the German public service pay scale (TV-L E13).

We look forward to receiving your application by 20 April 2026.

Please include the following documents:

• a CV including a list of publications
• a letter of recommendation or contact details of 2-3 referees
• a brief statement outlining your research experience and motivation for pursuing a Postdoctoral career, specifically in the field of metastasis (max. ½ page).

Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if their suitability is essentially equal. Please note that we cannot cover any costs that you may incur during an interview.

PD Dr. rer. nat. Melanie Werner-Klein
Experimental Medicine and Therapy Research
University of Regensburg
Franz-Josef Strauß Allee 11
93053 Regensburg