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EG 13/14 TV-L, 39,8 hours per week, limited to 2 years with the possibility of extension.
The Cell Biology group of the Institute of Physiology and Cell Biology. Starting date: as soon as possible.
The Institute of Physiology and Cell Biology aims to recruit a highly motivated post-doctoral scientist to join the newly established Cell Biology group, headed by Prof. Dr. Sjoerd van Wijk. In a project funded by the German Cancer Aid (Deutsche Krebshilfe) we will study how changes in STING turnover can be applied to sensitize apoptosis-resistant pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) towards alternative killing in pre-clinical settings. To this end, we will combine advanced biochemistry, incl. proximity-based interactomics, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing and primary human PDAC organoids with cytokine- and cell-based immunotherapies and state-of-the-art imaging technologies, incl. 3D light-sheet fluorescence microscopy and advanced laser-scanning fluorescence microscopy.
This project closely aligns with our general research interests that focus on how ubiquitination and autophagy control cell survival, programmed cell death and inflammation in broad pathophysiological settings, including oncology and infection. We use human and animal pre-clinical experimental systems, including cell lines, primary cells, organoids and iPSC-derived cells, that will be integrated with cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology and omics approaches. For examples of recent research output, see Wächtershäuser et al (2026), Signal Transduct Target Ther, 11(1):204; Zein et al (2025), Autophagy, 21(5):1075-1095 and Weinelt et al (2024), Cell Death Dis, 15(1):77.
For more information, please contact Prof. Dr. Sjoerd van Wijk, Institute of Physiology and Cell Biology via telephone number +49 511 953-6119 or .
When preparing your application, please include your CV, a motivation letter with a short statement of how your expertise would contribute to the project and aims of our group, an overview of publications and third-party funding, if any, as well as the contact information of two referees. Applications should be submitted via our online portal by 23.11.2026 at the latest.
All application documents will be destroyed after completion of the personnel selection process.
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