The Division "Personalized Medical Oncology” focusses on the identification of novel cancer-promoting mechanisms in the tumor micro­environment. Based on these functional insights we aim to derive novel targets for therapeutic inter­vention. Translation of research findings into the clinic will be possible at the newly founded "DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Hospital Mann­heim", which is also directed by Prof. Sonja Loges.

The DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute is a long-term partnership between Mann­heim University Hospital, the Mannheim Medical Faculty of the University of Heidelberg and the DKFZ, generously supported by the Hector Foundation II. One goal of the "DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim" is to improve personalized oncology, i.e. therapy tailored to indi­vidual patients. In particular, innovative research results are to be brought more rapidly into clinical application in the form of clinical trials.

Job description:
The postdoc will be working on dissecting the roles of different targets in metastatic bone colonization and interactions at the interface between tumor and host with a focus on the endosteal niche. Furthermore, they will be de­ciphering this crosstalk in the context of anti-tumor immune responses. The project comprises state-of-the-art preclinical models of specific treatments against characterized targets together with anti-cancer immune therapies. In addition, primary cell cultures, genetic knock­down expression and innovative single-cell technologies will be performed.

We are offering an interesting and challenging field of work as well as an excellent work environment in a dynamic and multinational team, which works closely with national as well as international collaboration partners in aca­demics as well as pharmaceutical companies. The location is Heidelberg.

Requirements:
We are looking forward to receive applications from highly motivated scientists. Applicants should hold a master in biology or a related field as well as a PhD in this scientific area, with a track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals. Applicants should ideally have a docu­mented strong expertise in bone morpho­logy and cancer biology, cell culture, as well as animal application writing and in vivo (mouse) experience including FELASA B or C certificate. Knowledge in molecular biology techniques such as isolation of nucleic acids (RNA, DNA), cDNA synthesis, Western Blot, qRT-PCR and CRISPR/Cas9 are positively valued.

The scientist on this position is expected to work independently but collabo­ratively with other lab members as well as with other research groups. An excellent communication skill for scientific discussion is indispensable and proficiency in English is mandatory.

Full applications should include curriculum vitae, a letter of motivation, certi­ficates, expected availability date, a list of publications and 2-3 references.

We offer:

• Interesting, versatile workplace
• International, attractive working environment
• Campus with modern state-of-the-art infrastructure
• Salary according to TV-L including social benefits
• Possibility to work part-time
• Flexible working hours
• Comprehensive further training program
• Access to the DKFZ  International Postdoc Program

The position is initially limited to 2 years.
The position can in principle be part-time.