Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d)

Application deadline: 31/10/2026

• Develop and optimize next-generation CRISPR genome-engineering approaches for immune-cell engineering
• Design and evaluate innovative strategies for the generation of CAR-T cells directly in vivo
• Develop and characterize viral and non-viral delivery platforms, including lipid nanoparticle-based systems
• Establish new experimental technologies and workflows within the laboratory
• Assess genome-editing efficiency, specificity, safety, and functional outcomes
• Perform molecular, cellular, and immunological characterization of engineered immune cells
• Contribute to project design, scientific strategy, and technology development
• Supervise PhD students and junior researchers
• Establish interdisciplinary collaborations and contribute to scientific publications, grant applications, and conference presentations

The project

CAR-T cell therapy has transformed the treatment of selected hematological malignancies, but current approaches depend on complex, costly, and time-consuming ex vivo manufacturing.

Our ERC project aims to explore a fundamentally different paradigm: direct engineering of therapeutic immune cells in vivo.

To achieve this, we will combine next-generation genome-editing technologies with innovative concepts in immune-cell engineering and targeted delivery, with a particular interest in lipid nanoparticle-based approaches. A major focus will be on CRISPR 2.0 technologies that expand the possibilities of genome engineering beyond conventional DNA double-strand-break-based editing.

The successful candidate will play a central role in developing and translating these concepts into new strategies for the precise generation of CAR-T cells in vivo, including the development and evaluation of delivery strategies for genome-editing components.

We are looking for a creative, highly motivated scientist who enjoys developing new technologies and tackling ambitious biological questions.

Applicants should have:

• A PhD in molecular biology, biomedicine, biotechnology, biochemistry, immunology, pharmaceutical sciences, nanomedicine, or a related discipline
• A strong background in molecular and cellular biology, genome engineering, drug delivery, or nanomedicine
• Experience in genome engineering, CAR-T cells or lipid nanoparticles
• A strong interest in developing and applying next-generation CRISPR and delivery technologies
• The ability to independently design, conduct, analyze, and troubleshoot experiments
• A collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research
• Excellent communication skills in English

Experience with lipid nanoparticle formulation and characterization, targeted LNP delivery, primary human T cells, CRISPR-based genome editing, CAR-T cells, flow cytometry, or other viral or non-viral delivery technologies would be particularly valuable.

Importantly, we do not expect candidates to already be experts in all aspects of the project. Previous experience with lipid nanoparticles is a strong plus, but not a prerequisite. We are looking for scientists with a strong experimental foundation, intellectual curiosity, and the ambition to expand into new technological areas.

• Anspruchsvolles, vielfältiges und entwicklungsfähiges Aufgabengebiet
• Attraktive Bezahlung nach TV-L inkl. Jahressonderzahlung
• Aus- und Weiterbildung in der eigenen Akademie
• Betriebliche Altersvorsorge
• Betriebskindertagesstätte mit verlängerten Öffnungszeiten
• Betriebssportangebote
• Flexible Arbeitszeiten dank Gleitzeitregelung
• Jobrad
• Mitarbeiter Angebote