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At the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), we are committed to excellence in research, education, and comprehensive healthcare across our clinics. Every day, our team of approximately 16,100 dedicated employees works to make the world a healthier place. Our goal is to be one of the leading university hospitals while also being the best employer in our industry.

At UKE, we believe that meaningful and successful work should align with our employees' personal needs and individual lifestyles. Just as diverse as these needs are, so too is the variety of personalized solutions we offer. 

Welcome to the UKE.

Postdoctoral position (all genders) - ERC research group Mader ‚Neuro-Immuno-Oncology and Cell Therapy‘

  • Job-ID: J000005347
  • Contract Type: Temporary
  • Employment Type: Full time/ Part time
  • Closing Date: 29.12.2025
  • Organization: UKE_Zentrum für Geburtshilfe, Kinder- u. Jugendmedizin
  • Category: Research & Science
  • Department: Klinik für Pädiatrische Hämatologie und Onkologie

Main tasks

We are seeking an exceptionally motivated and ambitious Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team at the Neuro-Immuno-Oncology and Cell Therapy group (https://kinderkrebs-forschung.de/en/research/neuro-immuno-oncology/). The ideal candidate is a creative and independent scientist who is eager to develop and drive high-impact research projects from conception to completion. You will join a stimulating and supportive research environment within a dynamic team located at the Research Institute Children's Cancer Center Hamburg on the UKE campus.

 

You will work on an exciting ERC-funded project in which we aim to develop and preclinically evaluate novel cell therapy approaches for the treatment of malignant brain tumors, in particular pediatric high-grade gliomas. The project will employ state-of-the-art methods to manipulate brain immune cells, especially microglia.

If you are driven, innovative, and ready to make a significant scientific impact, we look forward to your application.

 

Your tasks:

  • Design, plan, and execute independent research projects within the scope of the lab’s focus
  • Actively support the research group intellectually, organizationally, and experimentally
  • Develop innovative experimental strategies and methodologies
  • Analyze and interpret complex datasets
  • Communicate and present results; write and publish high-quality manuscripts in leading journals
  • Contribute to collaborative projects within the team and with external partners
  • Mentor and support junior researchers and students in the laboratory

 

This position is ERC-funded and initially limited to two years, with the possibility of extension.

Your Profile

  • Completed scientific university agree
  • PhD in a relevant field (e. g. neuro-oncology, molecular biology, neuroscience, immunology, stem cell biology)
  • Strong publication record demonstrating originality and scientific rigor
  • Excellent teamwork and communication skills, as well as flexibility and initiative
  • Prior experience in cell culture and molecular biology
  • Ideally prior experience in animal research (murine brain tumor models); at minimum, strong interest and willingness to engage in animal studies
  • Ideally advanced bioinformatics expertise and programming skills
  • Very good command of English (written and spoken)
  • Highest motivation to pursue ambitious, innovative projects with translational or mechanistic impact

Immunity status

Please note that employment is contingent upon proof of immunization or immunity against the measles virus, in accordance with applicable legal and medical requirements. Documentation (e.g., vaccination certificate) must be provided before employment begins.

Our Offer

  • Attractive compensation according to TVöD/VKA
  • Secure employment with meaningful work and respectful collaboration
  • Comprehensive onboarding and open knowledge exchange within the team
  • Extensive training and further education programs at our UKE Academy for Education and Careers
  • Opportunities to contribute to our “UKE INside” personnel policy through cross-professional and cross-hierarchical projects
  • Sustainable travel: subsidies for the Deutschlandticket as a job ticket, and Dr. Bike bicycle service
  • Family-friendly working environment: cooperation on childcare, free vacation childcare, advice for employees with relatives in need of care
  • Excellent health, wellness, and sports programs
  • A wide range of dining options in our staff restaurant, with additional choices available at the “Health Kitchen” cafés, bistros, and an on-site supermarket

Contact

About us

We live diversity and value variety

We offer a work environment that provides equal opportunities regardless of age, gender, sexual identity, disability, ethnic and social origin, or religion. This is confirmed by our accession to the Charter of Diversity. We explicitly aim to increase the proportion of women in management positions, especially among scientific personnel in research and teaching. Women with equal qualifications will be given priority. The same applies in the case of under-representation of one gender in the advertised area. Persons with severe disabilities with equal aptitude, competence, and professional performance will be given priority.

> Learn more about "Diversity at UKE" here.