Postdoc - translational research in childhood IBD & epithelial barrier biology (m/w/d)

Postdoc - translational research in childhood IBD & epithelial barrier biology (m/f/d)

The Hospital of the University of Munich, Germany, is one of the largest and most competitive university hospitals in Germany and Europe. With around 11,000 employees, it offers a world‑class research environment in pediatric medicine.

Scope of duties

The research group headed by Prof. Dr. med. Dr. (PhD) Daniel Kotlarz at the Comprehensive Childhood Research Center of the Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital (CCRC Hauner) is conducting a DFG‑funded project of the TRR425 initiative “DEFINE” (Desmosomal dysfunction in epithelial barriers). The goal is to explore molecular causes in children with very early onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEO‑IBD) and translate findings into improved diagnostics and therapies.

You will take a leading role in driving innovative experimental strategies to dissect epithelial barrier dysfunction and immune‑epithelial interactions in VEO‑IBD, within a vibrant research environment that includes extensive core facilities (NGS, flow cytometry, microscopy) and an associated bioinformatics team at Helmholtz Munich.

Responsibilities

• Designing and executing experiments using CRISPR/Cas9 and viral genome engineering
• Differentiating, culturing, and manipulating human intestinal organoids
• Establishing and analyzing immune cell‑organoid co‑culture systems and infection models
• Investigating epithelial barrier integrity, junctional dynamics, and signaling pathways
• Applying advanced imaging and molecular techniques
• Performing and supporting studies in mouse models of intestinal inflammation
• Analyzing complex datasets (e.g., RNA‑seq, proteomics, interactomics) in collaboration with the bioinformatics team
• Contributing to high‑impact publications and presenting at international conferences
• Collaborating closely within the TRR 425 consortium and international networks

Requirements

• PhD in medicine, veterinary medicine, life sciences, pharmacy, or a related discipline
• Strong expertise in at least one of: immunology, stem cell biology (iPSC) and intestinal organoids, molecular biology and genome editing, epithelial biology/bio barrier function
• Experience with advanced imaging, protein biochemistry or omics technologies is advantageous
• Experience in handling and analyzing high‑throughput datasets (e.g., transcriptomics, proteomics) is desirable
• Highly motivated, collaborative, and proactive, with strong interpersonal skills
• Team‑oriented mindset

Offer

• Dynamic, highly motivated, international research team at one of Germany’s top universities
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art infrastructure and core facilities
• Well‑funded lab with extensive support from core facilities
• Opportunities for scientific independence and career development; mentoring by advanced researchers
• Integration into strong international alliances and networks with leading research institutes
• Fully funded postdoctoral position for an initial two years with potential extension
• Remuneration based on the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Länder (TV‑L) including all custom allowances

The Ludwig‑Maximilians‑University (LMU) Hospital is committed to a family‑oriented policy and an equal‑opportunity employer.