Postdoc – Stem Cell-Based Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes (f/m/x)
Full time
Munich
We are Helmholtz Munich. In a rapidly changing world, we discover breakthrough solutions for better health.
Our research is focused within the areas of metabolic health/diabetes, environmental health, molecular targets and therapies, cell programming and repair, bioengineering, and computational health. We particularly excel in the fields of basic research, bioengineering, artificial intelligence, and technological development.
Through this research, we build the foundations for medical innovation. Together with our partners, we seek to accelerate the transfer of our research, so that laboratory ideas can reach society and improve people’s quality of life at the fastest rate possible.
This is what drives us. Why not join us and make a difference?
The Research Unit Type I Diabetes Immunology (TDI) aims to advance our understanding of the immune mechanisms underlying Type 1 Diabetes and contribute to develop immune therapies to prevent and stop autoimmune progression and diabetes complications.
We recently won a JDRF Grant with a project focused on Immune-cloaking strategies for protection of stem cell-derived beta cells in pig, together with the team of Prof. Matthias Hebrok and Prof. Heiko Lickert from the Helmholtz Munich Diabetes Center, and Prof. Eckhard Wolf from the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU). The project aims to evaluate novel immune-cloaking strategies for stem cell-derived islets to prevent immune destruction upon transplantation, while retaining immune surveillance.
We believe that excellent research requires a range of different perspectives. Diverse teams reach better solutions and are more innovative in their research topics.
Establishing our Diversity Management Strategy demonstrates our commitment to ensuring an appreciative company culture based on mutual respect. We are also implementing diversity-sensitive processes throughout our whole organization.
Your tasks
- Analyse recipient immune response upon transplantation of immune-cloaked islets and beta cells.
- Conduct immunological analyses of piPSC-derived beta cells.
- Investigate mechanisms of immune activation in humanized mice using iPSC-derived hematopoietic stem cells and beta-like cells from donors with islet autoimmunity.
- Perform in vitro and in vivo experiments.
- Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Your profile
- Master and PhD in biology, biochemistry, medicine, pharmacology, or related subject.
- A strong background in immunology, cellular and molecular biology, and genetics.
- Experience in isolating and characterizing immune cells using multi-colour flow cytometry is a must.
- Experience with in vivo animal models, particularly with mouse and pig models, is a strong advantage. FELASA accreditation or a similar qualification is a plus.
- Ability to work independently, high motivation, creative thinking, team spirit and excellent communication skills.
- Excellent written and spoken English
Benefits
Since 2005, we hold the TOTAL E-QUALITY award for exemplary action in the sense of an equal-opportunity organizational culture.
Helmholtz Munich is actively committed to diversity and inclusion in practice and is sustainably committed to equality.
The Diversity Charter has set itself the goal of promoting diversity in the world of work. By signing the charter, we commit ourselves to create an appreciative working environment for all employees.
If you fulfil all the requirements, you may be eligible for a salary grade of up to E 13. Social benefits are based on the Collective Wage Agreement for Public-Sector Employees (TVöD). The position is (initially) limited to 2 years, under certain circumstances an extension can be arranged.
We are committed to promoting a culture of diversity and welcome applications from talented people regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical abilities, religion or age. Qualified applicants with physical disabilities will be given preference.
If you have obtained a university degree abroad, we will require further documents from you regarding the comparability of your degree. Please request the Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications as early as possible.
