What we are looking for

Two postdoctoral research positions are available in a new team developing methods for the rapid identification of autoantigens in autoimmune disease. The objective of the group is to deconvolute the autoimmune T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire functionally with respect to unknown cognate peptide:HLA complexes. We will use high-throughput screening approaches coupling sequence to specificity in order to identify critical points of attack in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. We are looking for highly enthusiastic and creative researchers to broaden our think-tank with their intellectual power, technical excellence, and problem-solving expertise. Ideal candidates should have a PhD degree in molecular and cellular biology, biotechnology, or immunology, with a strong background in the human immune system. You will work both independently and collaboratively to establish key components of a modular platform.

Required skills

• Up-to-date molecular biological techniques
• Expertise in manipulating gene expression (RNAi, CRISPR/Cas9)
• Familiarity with molecular biology software packages (e.g. Geneious, LaserGene suite)

OR

• Strong theoretical and technical background in human adaptive immune processes, with an emphasis on T-cell:antigen-presenting cell interactions
• Flow cytometric analysis and cell sorting
• Cellular transgene delivery (e.g. viral vectors)

Both positions also require a high degree of critical thinking, the ability to independently design and perform experiments, work in an interdisciplinary environment, and excellent English communication and scientific presentation skills.

Additional preferred skills

• Techniques for establishing, culturing, and differentiating induced pluripotent stem cells
• Experience with high-throughput screening techniques
• Ability to write and execute scripts in R, Python, or equivalent languages
• Familiarity with online immunological and bioinformatic resources/repositories

Candidates are requested to submit

• 1-page cover letter expressing their interest in joining our team
• Curriculum vitae outlining scientific interests, research achievements, publications, future personal goals, and extracurricular passions
• Contact information for 2 referees
• Max. 2-page outline of the proposed contribution to the team. Concepts with a primary focus on creative approaches for the identification of previously unknown antigens/epitopes will be preferred over TCR repertoire profiling without functional characterization or restricted to discovery of TCR sequences with known specificities.

What we offer

The positions are offered for an initial duration of 2 years, with possible extension to a total of 4 years. BioMed X is a multidisciplinary and international research institution with a very collegial and flexible working environment. As part of the remuneration package we offer a competitive salary, access to training and lecture courses in house as well as in neighboring research institutions on the Life Science Campus in Heidelberg. Team recognition events, such as our annual two-day retreat, joint luncheons and after work events, a Summer and a Christmas party are just some of the other perks our fellows enjoy.

The positions are sponsored by Janssen, with a start date of August 1st, 2018. Please submit your application to the attention of Dr. John Lindner before June 3rd, 2018 via the online application system on this website.