Postdoc Biology - Immunology, Oncology (m/f/d)

Overview

The Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology at the University Hospital Düsseldorf (UKD) at the Heinrich Heine University (HHU) is a leading clinical center for the diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancer. The clinic is part of the University Tumor Center (UTZ) at the UKD and the Center for Integrative Oncology Aachen-Bonn-Cologne-Düsseldorf (CIO-ABCD). It participates in international research consortia and study groups and operates a research laboratory with multiple groups and staff working on childhood cancer and therapy optimization.

Activities and responsibilities

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to join our research program in the field of Wnt signaling and cancer metabolism, with an anticipated start date between 03/2026 and 05/2026. The successful candidate will work on the DFG-funded project “Decoding the role and regulation of Wnt/STOP in drug-resistant cancer cells” within the SFB consortium “Mechanisms and functions of Wnt signaling.” The postdoctoral fellow will take a leading role in addressing which molecular determinants drive Wnt/STOP dependency in therapy-resistant cancers, including acute leukemias and colorectal cancer. The position offers substantial scientific independence and the opportunity to contribute to experimental design, data interpretation, and publication strategy. The candidate will employ and further develop advanced experimental models and methodologies, including organoid systems, patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing, multiparameter flow cytometry, protein interaction and signaling assays, and in vitro and in vivo drug screening approaches.

Qualifications and requirements

Candidate profile and requirements:

• PhD in molecular biology, cancer biology, biochemistry, or a related life-science discipline.
• Strong postdoctoral-level expertise in molecular and cellular biology techniques, including mammalian tissue culture, genome editing, FACS/flow cytometry, immunoblotting, and PCR/qPCR.
• Demonstrated experience working independently on complex research projects, ideally evidenced by first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Solid hands-on experience with animal models (mandatory), including experimental planning and execution; FELASA B certification is required.
• Experience with or strong interest in advanced cancer models (e.g. organoids, PDXs) and drug-response studies.
• Ability to mentor students and contribute to a collaborative research environment within a multidisciplinary consortium.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and scientific writing skills.

Benefits

This position provides an outstanding environment for developing an independent scientific profile within a highly interactive and internationally visible research network.

We offer

• Remuneration based on TV-L in pay grade 13, taking into account all previous periods of employment. The employment contract will be concluded with Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf.
• Applications from women are expressly welcome and women will be given preferential consideration if they have the same qualifications, skills, and professional performance, unless there are reasons related to a male competitor that outweigh this. Severely disabled applicants will be given preferential consideration if they have the same qualifications.
• Challenging and varied tasks in an interdisciplinary team; attractive opportunities for further training and development; opportunities to travel and present at international meetings and conferences; opportunity to participate in all consortium-associated meetings; collaboration with intramural, national and international cooperation partners.