About usThe Faculty of Medicine is one of the four founding faculties of the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen. With its non-clinical facilities as well as its research and teaching area corresponding to the organisational units of the University Hospital, it is one of the largest medical training and research institutions in Baden-Württemberg.
Research focus of the Division and Postdoc Position
We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Researcher to join our interdisciplinary team in the Division of Translational Oncology headed by Prof. Julia Skokowa. Our laboratory is dedicated to advancing the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of hematopoiesis, granulopoiesis, and leukemia development. We also develop innovative gene therapy approaches for hematopoietic stem cell disorders, with the ultimate goal of clinical translation.
Our research focuses on pre-leukemic bone marrow failure syndromes, supported by the integration of the Severe Chronic Neutropenia International Registry (SCNIR), enabling clinically driven translational research. We employ state-of-the-art experimental models to study the pathomechanism of severe congenital neutropenia and Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome as well as the stepwise process of leukemogenic transformation. Our approach integrates gene editing in human and murine primary hematopoietic and iPSC-derived stem cells, in vivo zebrafish and mouse models, multi-omics analyses (e.g., RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, scRNA-seq, scDNA-seq, WES/WGS, targeted NGS, DigiWest), a broad spectrum of molecular and cellular biology techniques, biochemistry and biophysics, computational drug repurposing, and de novo design of novel protein-based therapeutics. Our work also includes developing gene editing strategies to correct or inactivate mutations associated with severe congenital neutropenia, Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome and leukemia.
This position offers the opportunity to contribute to the high-impact project „PHOENIX: Promoting Healing and Overcoming ELANE Neutropenia with Ex Vivo CRISPR- with a clear translational goal: bringing gene editing of ELANE-mutated severe congenital neutropenia to clinical application, which is based on a gene editing approach recently published by our group (Nasri M, Ritter M et al., Mol Therapy 2024; Skokowa et al., NEJM 2021) and is currently funded by the BMBF/SPARK-BIH program. The postdoc will also participate in the development of gene therapies for other types of congenital neutropenia and other pre-leukemia syndromes.
PostDoc - Gene therapy of preleukemia syndromes (f/m/d)
Department of Internal Medicine, Divison of Translational Oncology, index number 6534
Full-time: 100 % | Limited: 3 years* | Start of work: 01.10.2025 | Application deadline: 31.08.2025
*extension is sought
Design and conduct in vitro and in vivo experiments using gene-edited hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells
Develop and optimize gene editing protocols for ELANE for therapeutic use
Evaluate safety, efficacy, leukemogenicity and off-target effects of gene therapies in preclinical models
Actively participate in the development of GMP-compatible protocols for clinical translation
Assist in the preparation of regulatory documents and collaborate with clinical and regulatory teams to support the transition to first-in-human trials
PhD or postgraduate degree with focus in cellular and molecular biology, gene editing, human stem cell biology, hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis
Experience with gene editing technology, HSC culture, and in vivo models of blood cell disorders is highly desirable
Experience in GMP production and clinical trial development is desirable
Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills
English proficiency required
A multicultural, multidisciplinary and highly motivated team
A dynamic and supportive research environment within a leading academic institution
Access to state-of-the-art facilities and technologies
Opportunities for professional development and career advancement, including access to the SPARK-BIH mentoring program and participation at national and international conferences
Close collaboration with clinical and translational research partners
Subsidy for public transportation tickets and employee discounts