The μOrgano Lab at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Tübingen and at the NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute is looking for a
Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) with a focus on microfluidic engineering to assess cancer-immune interactions.
The μOrgano Lab focusses on the development and application of microfluidic platforms that mimic the physiological microenvironment of cells and tissues. These Organ-on-Chip models can be used to answer a wide range of medical, biological, pharmacological and toxicological questions without having to use laboratory animals. Previously, the µOrgano Lab has developed a variety of Cancer-on-Chip and Lymphoid-tissue-on-Chip models that will serve as a basis for the ImmuneMPS project, a large Multi-PI collaboration funded by the Carl Zeiss Foundation.
The Carl Zeiss Foundation aims to create space for scientific breakthroughs. As a partner of excellent science, it supports both basic research and application-oriented research and teaching in the STEM fields (mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and engineering). Founded in 1889 by physicist and mathematician Ernst Abbe, the Carl Zeiss Foundation is one of the oldest and largest private scientific funding foundations in Germany. It is the sole owner of Carl Zeiss AG and SCHOTT AG. Its projects are funded through the dividend distributions of these two foundation-owned companies.
The ImmuneMPS project aims to develop human models of the immune system to advance cancer research and vaccine development. By using microphysiological systems such as organ-on-chip and organoid models, complex biological processes are to be simulated outside the body. These models help scientists to better understand the interactions between cancer and immune cells and to develop personalized therapeutic approaches. The project brings together experts from various disciplines and aims to contribute to an improved research landscape in immunology, immuno-oncology, vaccine research and infection biology.
Your tasks
The development and application of Organ-on-Chip models requires an interdisciplinary training and mindset. The position will play a crucial role in this collaborative effort together with a team of other research associates and PhD students.
The scope of work includes:
- Designing, fabricating and characterizing tailored microfluidic platforms
- Isolation, culture, and characterization of cancer and immune cells
- Planning, conducting and analyzing assays using OoC models
- Evaluation of cell phenotypes and function on chip
- Presentation and publication of research results
Candidate profile
- Completed PhD in engineering
- Comprehensive practical experience in microfabrication, microfluidics and microscopy
- In-depth knowledge of design and implementation of Organ-on-Chip
- Experience with (primary, stem cell) cell culture is desirable
- Willingness to engage in interdisciplinary research activities (life science and engineering)
- Very good knowledge of English as well as a structured, independent way of working
What to expect
- Working within an multidisciplinary project and a highly innovative research topic
- The opportunity to work in an exciting collaboration at the interface of basic research and clinical translation
- Highly motivated, competent, and multidisciplinary team with scientific and technical staff members
- Excellent technical equipment and laboratory infrastructure
- Work-life balance through flexible working hours
- Staff events and excursions
- Recruitment and remuneration are according to TVL (Tarifvertrag der Länder). The position is initially limited to 2 years.
For further information about the position, please contact Prof. Loskill by e-mail at peter.loskill(at)uni-tuebingen.de.
To apply, please send a letter of motivation and a CV including contact details for three references by e-mail to peter.loskill(at)uni-tuebingen.de (cc lisa.ickert(at)uni-tuebingen.de).