The following full-time (38.5 hours/week)/part-time position is to be filled as soon as possible in the Klinik für Neuroonkologie of the University Hospital Bonn:

Postdoctoral Researcher in Experimental Neuro-Oncology – Brain Tumor Microenvironment (m/f/d)

This position is initially limited to 2 years due the project, with the possibility of extension.

Our newly established Experimental Neuro-Oncology group at the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) (PI: Prof. Sevin Turcan) investigates molecular and cellular mechanisms of brain tumor initiation, progression and therapy resistance, with a particular focus on tumor–microenvironment interactions. A major focus is to understand how brain tumors interact with and remodel the surrounding microenvironment. To address this, we combine orthotopic mouse models, advanced imaging (including light-sheet fluorescence microscopy, LSFM), and state-of-the-art single-cell and spatial omics technologies to map tumor and immune cell states across the whole brain.

Tasks:

• Design, perform and analyze in vivo experiments in orthotopic brain tumor mouse models to study tumor–microenvironment interactions
• Establish and optimize experimental workflows for whole-brain imaging and spatial-omics readouts
• Process and characterize tissues using histology, immunofluorescence and advanced microscopy; coordinate sample preparation and quality control for downstream single-cell and spatial omics
• Work closely with computational collaborators to ensure that experimental design, imaging and tissue processing are optimized for quantitative analysis
• Contribute to the supervision and training of junior lab members (e.g. Master’s students, PhD candidates) in experimental neuro-oncology techniques
• Present results in internal seminars and at national/international conferences, and contribute to manuscripts and grant applications

Requirements:

• Doctoral degree in Biology, Molecular Medicine, Neuroscience or a related life science discipline (or close to completion)
• Strong background in experimental cancer biology and/or neurobiology
• Solid hands-on experience with mouse models (ideally brain tumor or other neuro-oncology / neuroscience models); FELASA or equivalent certification is an advantage
• Practical experience in at least one of the following, with strong interest in learning the others: advanced microscopy (e.g. confocal, two-photon, LSFM), tissue clearing and whole-brain immunolabeling, single-cell or spatial transcriptomics / other spatial-omics techniques
• High experimental rigor, excellent troubleshooting and organizational skills, and an independent, proactive working style
• Strong interest in the tumor microenvironment and in integrating imaging with molecular profiling
• Very good command of English (spoken and written); German language skills are an asset but not mandatory
• Team spirit, reliability and enthusiasm for working in an international, interdisciplinary environment

We offer:

• A scientifically excellent, highly interdisciplinary environment at the interface of imaging, data science, neuro-oncology and translational research
• Close integration with experimental teams working on organoids, mouse models and multi-omic profiling, with opportunities to shape cross-cutting projects
• Access to state-of-the-art LSFM infrastructure, high-performance computing resources and extensive collaboration networks within UKB and beyond
• Responsible and diverse: A position with plenty of room for creativity and responsibility within a supportive and collegial team
• Fair compensation: Pay according to the TV-L EG13 collective agreement, including annual bonus and company pension scheme
• Family-friendly flexibility: Flexible working time models, access to a place in our company daycare center, and programs supporting employees returning from parental leave
• Smart commuting: Excellent connection to the SWB public transport network and the option of an interest-free loan for the purchase of an e-bike
• Supported development: Individual training opportunities through courses, e-learning programs, and coaching sessions
• Structured onboarding: A systematic introduction to your new role and team
• Healthy at work: A wide range of health and wellness programs, plus free membership at the UKB fitness studio
• Employee benefits: Access to discounted offers for employees (corporate benefits)