Postdoctoral Position in Team Neutrophils in Solid Tumors (NST)

About BioMed X

BioMed X is an independent research institute with sites in Heidelberg, Germany, New Haven, Connecticut, XSeed Labs in Ridgefield, Connecticut, and a world-wide network of partner locations. We operate at the interface between academia and industry, performing biomedical research and drug discovery & development in the fields of oncology, immunology, neuroscience, platform technologies, and artificial intelligence. All our research projects are sponsored by leading pharmaceutical companies and conducted by early-career scientists recruited from the best schools around the world. The combination of global crowdsourcing with local incubation of the best research talents and ideas allows us to solve the biggest challenges in biomedical research. We stand for free, creative, and curiosity-driven research combined with a solid validation of results, timelines, and deliverables. We serve a large purpose in advancing translational biomedicine by leveraging synergies and fostering cross-pollination across disciplines.

About Team NST

The objective of the group, headed by Dr. Stefanie Bärthel, is to identify novel therapeutic vulnerabilities in neutrophils to target neutrophil-high tumor microenvironment states for direct tumor killing. We will be mimicking unique tumor microenvironment states in vitro by implementing a versatile 3D Co-Culture platform which will be employed as a screening toolkit to uncover novel therapeutic targets harnessing neutrophil functions. By integrating single cell RNA-sequencing and spatial transcriptomics data sets we will further investigate the neutrophil-centric cell-cell communication networks in tumors. The candidate will establish a complex 3D Co-Culture platform in vitro to study neutrophil function in defined tumor microenvironment states in pancreatic cancer.

The Position

We are looking for highly enthusiastic researchers interested in neutrophil biology to broaden our think-tank with their intellectual power and technical excellence. The ideal candidate would have a Ph.D. degree in molecular biology, biochemistry or immunology and a strong background in neutrophil research.

Required skills

• General expertise in tumor immunology and immunological assays
• Experience with neutrophil research and neutrophil functional assays
• Expertise in handling human PBMCs (e.g. isolation and characterization of immune cell subsets)
• Strong analytical skills
• Independent thinking
• Experienced to work in interdisciplinary teams
• Excellent communication skills in English

Additional preferred skills

• Expertise in handling human neutrophils, primary cells and clinical samples
• Experience with bioinformatics analyses (e.g. scRNA-seq, Spatial Transcriptomics)
• Experience with genetic screening approaches/CRISPR-Cas9
• Experience in Co-Culture systems

Our offer

• International, diverse, and positive work atmosphere, flexible working environment
• A competitive salary
• Access to training and lecture courses in house as well as in neighboring research institutions on the Life Science Campus in Heidelberg
• Access to a vast network in science and industry.
• Job ticket, sponsored fitness contract, complimentary fresh fruit, soft drinks and chocolate, team recognition events, etc. The position is sponsored by ONO Pharmaceutical.

Candidates are requested to submit

• 1-page cover letter explaining the reasons of interest to join our team
• Curriculum Vitae outlining scientific interests, research achievements, a record of publications, future personal goals and extra-scientific passions
• 2 reference letters

The position is available as of 1st November 2024. Please submit your application to the attention of Dr. Stefanie Bärthel before 30 September 2024 via our online Career Space.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

At BioMed X we embrace diversity as we consider it the source of innovation. We are committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ideology, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, or disability.