The LIT - Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (foundation under civil law) (https://lit.eu) – is a biomedical research center focusing on translational immunology in the fields of cancer immunotherapy, transplant rejection and autoimmunity. The objective of the LIT is to develop innovative and efficient cellular immune therapeutics in these areas. Our own GMP laboratories and close networking with University and University Hospital offer excellent opportunities for clinical translation of novel immune cell products.
The Structural Biochemistry Group at the LIT is recruiting a
Starting as soon as possible. The position is initially limited to three years, with the possibility of extension.
About the project
The newly established Structural Biochemistry group at the LIT combines synthetic biology and computational protein design to develop next-generation T-cell therapies.
We focus on creating task-specific protein components, which are subsequently tested in relevant model systems. This includes plasmid design and cloning, as well as screenings in cell lines and primary cells. Our goal will be to eventually develop candidates for clinical testing. In this project, you will work on switchable CARs that respond to soluble factors in the tumor microenvironment.
Your Role:
You will develop CAR-T cells capable of sensing soluble factors in the tumor microenvironment, in addition to recognizing a classical membrane-bound antigen. This dual mechanism is designed to enhance specificity, allowing CAR-T cells to become active exclusively within solid tumors. Your responsibilities will include:
Designing and experimentally validating new CAR constructs
Performing plasmid design, cloning, and potential screening in cell lines or yeast
Validating constructs in relevant model systems
Mentoring of M.Sc. or B.Sc. students
Using protein-structure visualization software (e.g., PyMOL)
Cultivation and modification of primary human or murine T-cells, as well as HEK-293T, Jurkat, and various cancer cell lines
Production of lentiviruses or retroviruses
Analysis and execution of experiments to characterize different cell types (e.g., NanoLuciferase measurements using a Tecan Microplate Reader, killing assays using an Incucyte)
Participation in creating protocols and standard operating procedures
Your profile:
Team player, eager to explore new ways to apply synthetic biology and protein design in therapeutic contexts
Master’s degree in biology/ molecular medicine/ Biotechnology or related fields
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
You should be comfortable with at least one of the following areas:
Synthetic biology
Protein design
Human T cell immunobiology
T cell engineering
Molecular Biology
Experience with lab automation, industry experience, high-throughput technologies (screening, cloning), coding skills and familiarity with software such as Rosetta, ProteinMPNN, or AlphaFold would be a plus. Curiosity to explore options for founding startup would be welcome.
We offer:
An international cutting-edge research environment that offers exciting and diverse opportunities
Perspectives for further scientific qualification
Flexible working hours
Flat hierarchies and short decision-making processes
A highly motivated and cooperative team
Possibility to enroll in the RIGeL graduate school
Company pension scheme (VBL)
Annual special payment
Capital-forming benefits
Job ticket and more
The remuneration is based on TV-L (E13, 65%).
The LIT places particular emphasis on promoting a healthy work-life balance.
Disabled applicants (m/f/d) with equal qualifications will receive preferential treatment within the recruitment procedure. Please refer to your disability status already in your application.
Please note that expenses that may arise in the context of an eventual job interview cannot be reimbursed.
For more information, please contact Dr. Leo Scheller (leo.scheller@lit.eu).
We are looking forward to receiving your detailed application. Please apply via our Online - Application Portal quoting the reference LS-2026-1.
The application deadline is 06.10.2026.