Summary
Join a newly funded ERC research program at the University Hospital Würzburg, focusing on the cutting edge of genome engineering, lipid nanoparticle delivery, synthetic immunology, and next-generation cell therapy. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to take a leading role in developing innovative strategies for generating therapeutic CAR-T cells directly in vivo, combining next-generation CRISPR technologies with advanced delivery systems like lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). The successful candidate will contribute to a highly ambitious research program with significant translational potential, developing an independent scientific profile within a dynamic and collaborative environment. This is a full-time, fixed-term position until January 1, 2027.
Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) – Engineering the Next Generation of In Vivo CAR-T Cell Therapies with CRISPR 2.0
Designation
Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d)
Research Area
- CRISPR 2.0 and next-generation genome engineering
- Lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-based delivery systems
- In vivo genome editing and cell engineering
- CAR-T cell and immune-cell engineering
- Synthetic immunology
- Molecular and cellular biology
- Translational cancer immunotherapy
- Non-viral and targeted delivery technologies
Location
University Hospital Würzburg
Eligibility/Qualification
Your Profile
We are looking for a creative, highly motivated scientist who enjoys developing new technologies and tackling ambitious biological questions. Applicants should have:
- A PhD in molecular biology, biomedicine, biotechnology, biochemistry, immunology, pharmaceutical sciences, nanomedicine, or a related discipline.
- A strong background in molecular and cellular biology, genome engineering, drug delivery, or nanomedicine.
- Experience in genome engineering, CAR-T cells or lipid nanoparticles.
- A strong interest in developing and applying next-generation CRISPR and delivery technologies.
- The ability to independently design, conduct, analyze, and troubleshoot experiments.
- A collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research.
- Excellent communication skills in English.
Experience with lipid nanoparticle formulation and characterization, targeted LNP delivery, primary human T cells, CRISPR-based genome editing, CAR-T cells, flow cytometry, or other viral or non-viral delivery technologies would be particularly valuable. Previous experience with lipid nanoparticles is a strong plus, but not a prerequisite. We seek scientists with a strong experimental foundation, intellectual curiosity, and the ambition to expand into new technological areas.
Job Description
The Project
CAR-T cell therapy has revolutionized the treatment of selected hematological malignancies, but current approaches rely on complex, costly, and time-consuming ex vivo manufacturing. Our ERC project aims to explore a fundamentally different paradigm: direct engineering of therapeutic immune cells in vivo. To achieve this, we will combine next-generation genome-editing technologies with innovative concepts in immune-cell engineering and targeted delivery, with a particular interest in lipid nanoparticle-based approaches. A major focus will be on CRISPR 2.0 technologies that expand the possibilities of genome engineering beyond conventional DNA double-strand-break-based editing.
The successful candidate will play a central role in developing and translating these concepts into new strategies for the precise generation of CAR-T cells in vivo, including the development and evaluation of delivery strategies for genome-editing components.
Your Tasks
- Develop and optimize next-generation CRISPR genome-engineering approaches for immune-cell engineering.
- Design and evaluate innovative strategies for the generation of CAR-T cells directly in vivo.
- Develop and characterize viral and non-viral delivery platforms, including lipid nanoparticle-based systems.
- Establish new experimental technologies and workflows within the laboratory.
- Assess genome-editing efficiency, specificity, safety, and functional outcomes.
- Perform molecular, cellular, and immunological characterization of engineered immune cells.
- Contribute to project design, scientific strategy, and technology development.
- Supervise PhD students and junior researchers.
- Establish interdisciplinary collaborations and contribute to scientific publications, grant applications, and conference presentations.
We Offer
- Scientific leadership in a newly funded ERC project: Take a central role in establishing new technologies and shaping the scientific direction of an ambitious research program from an early stage.
- Cutting-edge interdisciplinary research: Work at the interface of CRISPR 2.0 technologies, lipid nanoparticle delivery, immune-cell engineering, and translational cell therapy.
- Scientific independence and creative freedom: Develop and pursue your own scientific ideas within a framework designed to support high-risk, high-gain research.
- Access to state-of-the-art technologies: Utilize advanced genome-engineering tools, delivery platforms, molecular and cellular biology methods, and immunological assays.
- International visibility and networking opportunities: Present your work at international conferences, establish collaborations, and contribute to the development of internationally competitive technologies.
- Mentoring and career development: Supervise junior researchers, strengthen your leadership skills, and build a strong foundation for future careers in academia, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical R&D.
- Challenging, diverse and evolving area of responsibility.
- Attractive salary according to TV-L incl. annual special payment.
- Training and Continuing Education.
- Retirement Pension Plan.
- Company daycare center with extended opening hours.
- Company sports program.
- Flexible Working Hours.
- JobBike.
- Corporate Benefits.
How to Apply
Please apply online via the provided application link.
Last Date for Apply
October 31, 2026
Apply Link
