The Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology at the University Hospital Düsseldorf (UKD) at the Heinrich Heine University (HHU), headed by Prof. Dr. Arndt Borkhardt, is one of the leading clinical centers for the diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancer in Germany. 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), which is funded by the German Cancer Aid. It is a founding partner of the German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK) Essen-Düsseldorf and participates in international research consortia and study groups. The clinic operates a fully equipped research laboratory (safety level 1 and 2 according to the Genetic Engineering/Biotechnology Ordinance, including a GMP, next generation sequencing, flow cytometry, life cell imaging, and high-throughput drug testing facility) with 5 research groups and >30 staff working in an interdisciplinary manner on the fundamentals of childhood cancer and in the field of therapy optimization.
Postdoctoral Fellow (f/m/d) (Biology, Immunology, Oncology or related fields)
Activities and responsibilities
We are seeking a highly motivated and creative 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 the overarching question of which molecular determinants drive Wnt/STOP dependency in therapy-resistant cancers, including acute leukemias and colorectal cancer. This position offers substantial scientific independence and the opportunity to contribute intellectually 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, as well as in vitro and in vivo drug screening approaches.
The postdoctoral fellow will take a leading role in addressing the overarching question of which molecular determinants drive Wnt/STOP dependency in therapy-resistant cancers, including acute leukemias and colorectal cancer. This position offers substantial scientific independence and the opportunity to contribute intellectually 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, as well as in vitro and in vivo drug screening approaches.
Qualification profile
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.
We offer
This position provides an outstanding environment for developing an independent scientific profile within a highly interactive and internationally visible research network.
We offer
Remuneration is 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. 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.
We offer:
- challenging and varied tasks in a committed, interdisciplinary team
- attractive opportunities for further training and development
- opportunity 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
We offer
Remuneration is 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. 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.
We offer:
- challenging and varied tasks in a committed, interdisciplinary team
- attractive opportunities for further training and development
- opportunity 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
Frau Prof. Dr. Laura Hinze
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jv-01/2026/Postdoc
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