The LIT - Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (foundation under civil law) (www.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 Division of Immunology at LIT is recruiting a highly motivated
(full time 40.1 hours per week)
The position is available starting July 1st, 2025, and initially limited to two years with the possibility of further employment.
The position is part of a team investigating regulatory T cells (Treg cells). Treg cells are crucial for the maintenance of self-tolerance. They modulate the functions of various immune cells and thereby affect a variety of diseases, including autoimmunity, cancer, allergies and inflammation. In addition, it is becoming increasingly clear that specialized Treg cells in tissues are important to support organ homeostasis and tissue regeneration. We are investigating both basic and applied aspects of Treg cell biology1-4. Using synthetic immunology, we have genetically engineered Treg cells so that the reprogrammed cells can take on new functions1,2. We are studying these engineered Treg cells in models ranging from classical autoimmune diseases to acute cardiovascular diseases.
We offer a postdoctoral position to study the function of engineered Treg cells. In addition, we are continuously developing new modules to improve certain aspects of Treg cell biology.
Your tasks include, but are not limited to:
Coordinate, design, and perform engineered Treg cell therapy experiments in disease models
Design and conduct research projects understanding and improving Treg cells (in-vitro and in-vivo)
Writing/publishing scientific manuscripts
Acquisition of third-party funds
Presentation of data at international meetings
Your Profile:
PhD or equivalent in life sciences, with a strong background in cell and molecular biology
Strong background in T cell immunology, substantial experience working with regulatory T cells
Strong record of publications in peer reviewed journals
Experience with in-vivo model systems.
Candidates should be interested in working in an interdisciplinary team and coordinate collaborations between the LIT and other institutions to study engineered Treg cells
Excellent communication and presentation skills both oral and written in English.
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
Job ticket
Excellent funding situation and state-of-the-art equipment
The remuneration is based on TV-L.
The Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy aims to increase the share of women in the workforce. Therefore, qualified female candidates are explicitly encouraged to submit their applications. Moreover, the LIT advocates for the compatibility of family and career.
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 Prof. Dr. Markus Feuerer (markus.feuerer@ukr.de).
We are looking forward to receiving your detailed application. Please apply via our Online - Application Portal the reference MF-2025-02.
Application deadline is April 27th, 2025.
Literature:
1Bittner S. et al., Biosensors for inflammation as a strategy to engineer regulatory T cells for cell therapy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2022 Oct 4;119(40):e2208436119.
2Bittner S. et al., Engineered Treg cells as putative therapeutics against inflammatory diseases and beyond. Trends Immunol. 2023 Jun;44(6):468-483.
3Delacher M et al., Single-cell chromatin accessibility landscape identifies tissue repair program in human regulatory T cells. Immunity. 2021 Apr 13;54(4):702-720.e17.
4Simon M. et al., Single-cell chromatin accessibility and transposable element landscapes reveal shared features of tissue-residing immune cells. Immunity. 2024 Aug 13;57(8):1975-1993.e10.