Postdoctoral Research Associate on Investigation of Immunotherapies at the Nanoscale

Postdoctoral Research Associate on Investigation of Immunotherapies at the Nanoscale

The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) is one of Europe’s largest cancer research centers. “Research for a life without cancer" is the mission of our world‑class scientists and all our team members.

The DKFZ is a place where the brightest minds pursue bold ideas and seek answers to pioneering scientific questions through collaboration, innovation, and exploration across many disciplines. We provide a dynamic environment which empowers excellence with state‑of‑the‑art technologies, cutting edge infrastructure, and a global scientific network.

Contribute your knowledge, vision, and dedication to create a space where scientific discovery in cancer research is transformed into benefits for human health.

The National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) is a long‑term cooperation between the DKFZ, excellent partners in university medicine and other research institutions at six locations in Germany. The goal of the NCT is to bring promising results from cancer research into clinical application quickly and safely. This approach is intended to provide cancer patients with nationwide access to innovative treatment options.

One of the six NCT sites is the NCT WERA, which is a collaboration between the DKFZ, the University Hospital Würzburg, the Julius‑Maximilians‑University of Würzburg, the University Hospital Erlangen, the Friedrich‑Alexander‑University Erlangen‑Nürnberg, the University Hospital Regensburg, the University of Regensburg, the University Hospital Augsburg and the University of Augsburg.

For the Cell Observatory lab (headed by Dr. Arindam Ghosh) at the NCT site WERA in Würzburg, the German Cancer Research Center is looking for a

The newly established Ghosh lab focuses on ‘Target Screening and Immunoreceptor Engineering’. We utilize cutting‑edge fluorescence imaging modalities, namely single‑molecule localization microscopy (SMLM), lattice light‑sheet microscopy (LLSM), and expansion microscopy (ExM), to investigate the (a) molecular binding mechanisms and dynamic interactions of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with target antigens on tumor cell membranes and (b) cell‑cell interactions between chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) engineered T cells and tumor cells. The scientific aims and scope of the research group are cross‑disciplinary, with strong core expertise in biophysics and cell biology, and a clinical focus on hematological malignancies.

Key references:

• Ghosh, Arindam, Mara Meub, Dominic A. Helmerich, Julia Weingart, Patrick Eiring, Thomas Nerreter, K. Martin Kortüm, Sören Doose, and Markus Sauer. “Decoding the molecular interplay of CD20 and therapeutic antibodies with fast volumetric nanoscopy.” Science 387, no. ): eadq4510.
• Riester, Zeno, Marlena Surowka, Nicole Seifert, Diana Darowski, Arindam Ghosh, Peter Spieler, Justus Weber et al. “Co‑expression of an adapter CAR retains efficacy of CAR T cells after single and dual antigen loss in lymphoma.” Molecular Therapy (2025).

Your Tasks

Our current research efforts are focused on molecular mapping of bispecific antibiotic‑mediated immune synapse architecture, quantitative imaging of receptor clustering, actin organization at the synapse, and understanding the overall molecular binding and cytotoxicity activity mechanisms of therapeutic antibodies. Key targets under investigation are GPRC5D and BCMA. The prospective candidate is expected to design and implement imaging experimental workflows (SMLM and/or LLSM and/or expansion microscopy) with the aim of visualizing the spatial organization of receptors and cytoskeletal proteins at the T cell‑tumor cell junctions and how they correlate with the mechanistic success of cytotoxic pathways. Furthermore, we also aim to implement real‑time 4D imaging experiments for dynamic visualization of antigen‑antibody interactions and antigen internalization.

Your Profile

• Master’s degree and PhD in biophysics / cell biology / cancer biology
• Background knowledge on emerging immunotherapies in treating hematological malignancies
• Experience with hands‑on cell culture, transfection, and immunostaining
• Experience with fluorescence imaging, in particular, single‑molecule localization microscopy (SMLM)
• Strong track record of scientific communication, as evidenced by publication history
• Track record of collaborative work across disciplines
• Proficiency in spoken and written English

Experience with the following is a plus:

• Expansion microscopy

We Offer

Remuneration according to TV‑L incl. occupational pension plan and capital‑forming payments

Family‑friendly working environment

Sustainable travel to work: subsidized Germany job ticket

Our Corporate Health Management Program offers a holistic approach to your well‑being

Develop your full potential: access to the DKFZ International Postdoc Program and DKFZ Career Service with targeted offers for your personal development to further develop your talents

Are you interested?

Then become part of the DKFZ and join us in contributing to a life without cancer!

Contact:

Dr. Arindam Ghosh
Phone:

Duration: The position is initially limited to 3 years.

Application Deadline:

Applications by e‑mail cannot be accepted.

Please also note that we cannot return applications submitted by post.

We are convinced that an innovative research and working environment thrives on the diversity of its employees. Therefore, we welcome applications from talented people, regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical ability, religion and age. People with severe disabilities are given preference if they have the same aptitude.

Notice: We are subject to the regulations of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG). Therefore, all our employees must provide proof of immunity against measles.