Postdoctoral researcher – Translational cancer immunology / CAR T-cell therapy

At the Chair of Experimental Medicine and Therapy, we investigate the mechanisms of systemic tumor spread and metastasis ( www.experimentelle-medizin.de ). A project funded by the German Cancer Aid (DKH) has been secured for Dr. Melanie Werner-Klein’s laboratory. Building on a recent publication in Nature Cancer (doi: 10.1038/s43018-025-00963-w), the project focuses on the prevention of metastatic disease – one of the central unsolved problems in oncology. Metastases cause the majority of cancer-related deaths. To date, effective adjuvant strategies for the targeted elimination of disseminated tumor cells are lacking. The position enables independent collaboration on the project for the development of adjuvant CAR-T cell therapies against metastasis-causing cells in melanoma, with a focus on preclinical in vivo models to investigate mechanistic and translational questions with high clinical relevance.

We offer:

• A fully funded postdoctoral position with a duration of three years
• A dynamic and supportive scientific environment
• Access to excellent research infrastructure, modern animal facilities and innovative technologies
• Close scientific supervision, excellent conditions for high-ranking publications, and targeted support for further scientific qualification and academic independence.

Your tasks:

• Independent conception, implementation and scientific management of a postdoctoral research project at the interface of tumor immunology, metastasis biology and CAR-T cell therapy
• Establishment, optimization and application of preclinical in vivo tumor models
• Analysis, evaluation and interpretation of complex experimental datasets and their classification in a translational and clinical context
• Publication of research results in high-ranking international journals

Your profile:

• Completed PhD in tumor immunology, cancer biology, molecular medicine or a closely related field
• Strong scientific interest in cancer immunotherapy and metastasis biology
• Proven practical experience with preclinical in vivo cancer models (mandatory)
• Experience in T-cell biology and/or CAR-T cell development and therapy is an advantage.
• Independent, structured work style and high self-motivation
• Excellent written and spoken English skills; knowledge of German is desirable.

The University of Regensburg aims to increase the proportion of women on its staff and therefore explicitly encourages qualified women to apply. The University of Regensburg is particularly committed to supporting work-life balance (further information can be found at https://www.uni-regensburg.de/universitaet/jobs-und-karriere/familien-service ).

Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are essentially equally qualified. Please indicate any existing severe disability in your application.

Please note that we cannot cover any costs you may incur in connection with a potential job interview.

Contact:

For further information, please contact Dr. Melanie Werner-Klein (email: melanie.werner-klein@ukr.de / phone: +49 941 944-11223). Applications, including the usual documents, must be submitted by April 15, 2026, exclusively via the application button below .

*Note regarding the time limit:

The fixed-term employment is for the purpose of the candidate’s own academic qualification (habilitation) and has a contract duration of 3 years. (§ 2 para. 1 WissZeitVG).