Postdoc Biology - iPSCs, Disease Modeling (m/f/d)

in the group “Stem cell models” in the multidisciplinary Department of Human and Animal Cell Lines, Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures GmbH. The position is offered full-time (39,8 hours/week), at a salary level of E13 (TV-L) for initially five years.

The Department Human and Animal Cell Lines is in charge of the open cell line collection at the DSMZ, performs quality controls and distributes cell lines to researchers worldwide. In addition to the routine activities in the collection, the department conducts research with and for the cell line collection using cancer cell lines and iPSC-based models that are well established in basic and preclinical research since many years.
The research group “Stem cell models” is looking for a passionate scientist to join the team with expertise in iPSC-based modelling of human genetic diseases. The group uses human pluripotent stem cells and their differentiation into retinal 3D organoids to model tumor development in retinoblastoma. We also employ CRISPR-based genomic editing to investigate establishment of DNA methylation at the imprinted locus on human chromosome 15. Additionally, we are actively involved in cooperation projects, providing reprogrammed or engineered iPSC lines carrying certain disease-causing mutations. Our daily work covers reprogramming to iPSCs along with state-of-the-art quality control and banking of iPSCs to ensure their integrity and reliability. We apply a diverse range of differentiation protocols and different CRISPR-editing approaches, complemented by advanced molecular biology methods. The group has an interest to bring forward the inclusion of iPSCs or differentiated derivatives into the open collection.
We expect you to take an active role in the development of the research group, with the possibility to contribute your own ideas and to develop them independently. With your expertise, you will be responsible for supervising students and ensuring implementation of proper iPSC-based working routines within the team. Your work should contribute to the goal of establishing iPSCs or derived derivatives in the collection. You should be prepared and motivated to take a leading role within the research group. As a postdoctoral scientist we expect you to conduct independent scientific research, actively pursue third-party funding and engage in publishing activities.
You will collaborate closely with a great team of experienced scientists and technicians. Research and routine activities are highly interlinked between all members of the department creating a very supportive environment with a particular strength in teamplay. The lab is located at the Science Campus Süd in Braunschweig, which is well equipped to support your research ambitions, including in-house sequencing capacities and state-of-the-art cell culture equipment. Additionally, a broad national and international existing collaborative network offers chances for fruitful cooperation.

The Leibniz Institute DSMZ (www.dsmz.de) is an internationally-renowned biological resource center, research infrastructure, and service provider for academia and industry with one of the most diverse microbial and cell culture collections worldwide. It is funded by the State of Lower Saxony and the German Federal government and is a member of the Leibniz Association.

The DSMZ strives to increase the proportion of female scientists and encourages female candidates to apply. Disabled applicants with identical technical and personal qualifications will be preferentially selected. In the case of degrees obtained abroad, proof of equivalence with a German degree must be enclosed. For further information, please refer to the website of the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB).

The DSMZ is an equal opportunity employer, supports balanced work-life career development, and holds the certificate of the audit berufundfamilie®.