This postdoctoral position is part of a collaborative project between the Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Goethe University’s Medical Campus, and the biopharmaceutical company Sanofi. Together, we aim to develop organoid models to combat inflammatory bowel diseases. The position will be based in Frankfurt am Main.
What you will do
* Use primary cells from biopsy samples to develop patient-derived organoid models for inflammatory bowel diseases
* Develop complex co-culture systems combining patient-derived organoids and autologous immune cells to recreate human intestinal inflammation
* Establish a novel pharmacological platform for preclinical drug evaluation
* Evaluate disease trajectory and predictive potential through comparative spatial transcriptomic and single-cell analysis of organoid models and patient biopsy samples
What you bring to the table
* PhD in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, or a related discipline
* Experience with stem cell-derived organoid culture, as well as profound knowledge and hands-on experience with molecular, cell biology, and immunology techniques
* Advantageous but not required: Expertise in single-cell analysis technology, 3D high-throughput imaging, or patient biosample processing
* Ability to solve problems independently and to design/execute systematic data-driven experiments in a multidisciplinary and international team of scientists
* Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; additional German skills are a plus
What you can expect
* A multidisciplinary project with a strong focus on applied science
* Close collaboration with clinical researchers and a pharmaceutical industry partner
* Opportunities to present and publish your findings
* High degree of independence and autonomy
* Support for continuing education and further qualification
The weekly working time is 39 hours. This position is initially limited to two years and is also available on a part-time basis. We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Appointment, remuneration and social security benefits based on the public-sector collective wage agreement (TVöD). Additionally Fraunhofer may grant performance-based variable remuneration components.
With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.
Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!
In case of any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact:
Prof. Dr. Aimo Kannt
aimo.kannt@itmp.fraunhofer.de
Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP
www.itmp.fraunhofer.de
Requisition Number: 80552 Application Deadline: 08/06/2025