Your future with us

We are one of the leading university hospitals in Germany and network research, teaching and health care at the highest level. That's why many things are a lot bigger for us: the spectrum of exciting development opportunities. The limitless openness with which specialists from all over the world work together here. Or our commitment as an employer to support all employees as best we can in reconciling their job with their goals and life situations.

This is the University Hospital of Cologne: Everything but ordinary.

We are looking to support our rapidly growing team as soon as possible:

Postdoc (f/m/x) Cancer Neuroscience

Department of Translational Genomics - Beleggia Laboratory

TV-L: 38,5 h/week (100 %)

initially limited until June 30, 2027 according to WissZeitVG

Your salary will be based on TV-L

Your future in detail

Over the last decade, the Department of Translational Genomics at the University of Cologne has profoundly impacted cancer research by translating its pioneering genomic discoveries into tangible clinical applications and personalised patient care. Key to its success are its deep integrations within networks such as the Network Genomic Medicine (NGM), the Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), and the Center for IntegratedOncology (CIO) Aachen Bonn Köln Düsseldorf. It was also the driving force in establishing the "Collaborative Research Center 1399 : "Mechanisms of Drug Sensitivity and Resistance in SCLC”, a vibrant community of high-profile researchers and clinicians focused on SCLC research. Deeply embedded within these institutions, our laboratory works at the intersection between computational biology and artificial intelligence, preclinical oncology and cancer neuroscience.

Your tasks

You will take a leading role in a pioneering project to unravel the neurobiology of Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), a devastating disease with urgent clinical needs. Building on our recent landmark discovery that SCLC forms functional synapses with neurones (Sakthivelu et al., Nature, 2025), you will drive research in a cutting-edge field.

Working within a collaborative and thriving SCLC research community, you will be empowered to answer fundamental scientific questions and develop your path to scientific independence. Your core tasks will be:

• To investigate the role of neurone-to-cancer synapses in SCLC development and progression using state-of-the-art in vivo models and co cultures.
• To elucidate the mechanistic details of how neuronal activity promotes SCLC proliferation and plasticity.
• To dissect the interplay between the nervous system and the tumour microenvironment, particularly its impact on anti-tumour immunity.

Mouse work will be supported by a part-time technical assistant; laboratory work will be supported by motivated students.

Your profile

Required qualifications and attributes:

• A strong record of scientific productivity, demonstrated by at least one first-author publication in a peer-reviewed international journal.
• Exceptional command of either English or German is essential.
• A PhD or equivalent degree in a relevant field such as Cancer Biology, Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, or Immunology.
• A burning passion for cancer research or neuroscience, coupled with the creative vision to drive an independent project.
• Strong leadership skills and a proven ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a team.

Demonstrated skills in one or more of the following areas are a major advantage:

• Mouse models: Hands-on experience with in vivo cancer or neuroscience research.
• Neuroscience: Advanced techniques such as calcium imaging, electrophysiology, or opto-/chemogenetics.
• Cancer research: Deep knowledge of cancer cell biology, signalling pathways, or the tumour microenvironment.
• Imaging: Proficiency in advanced microscopy (e.g., superresolution, two-photon) and/or multiplex imaging of the immune microenvironment.

We explicitly welcome applications from people of all ethnicities, religions, disabilities, ages, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

Our offer

• Everything but ordinary: You can expect a secure job in a challenging, innovative environment – including company pension schemes and regular working hours without business trips.
• Work-life balance: Whether full-time or part-time, with or without children – with numerous support options, we will find the right path together.
• Team spirit in R(h)ine culture: You will be warmly welcomed by an interdisciplinary team that values mutual respect and helpfulness.
• Strong perspectives: We offer extensive training opportunities – so you can continuously grow and set new goals.

Contact

Applications from female candidates are expressly welcome and will be given priority in the event of equal suitability, competence and professional performance. People with disabilities are welcome to apply and will be treated preferentially in the event of equal suitability and qualification. The position is suitable for staffing with part-time employees.

We look forward to receiving your application and getting to know you!