Postdoctoral Researcher – Left-Right Asymmetry in Xenopus and Mouse Development
Reference number: 2025-0328
- Heidelberg
- Full-time
- Molecular Embryology
The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) is one of Europe’s largest cancer research centers. “Research for a life without cancer" is the mission of our world-class scientists and all our team members.
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The Division of Molecular Embryology (headed by Prof. Dr. Christof Niehrs) is seeking as of June 2026 a
Research focus of the divison:
Vertebrate organ laterality relies on cilia-driven leftward flow in the left–right organizer (LRO), but the identity and mechanism of the flow-transported symmetry-breaking cue has long remained elusive. Defects in this process are a major cause of laterality disorders and are tightly linked to congenital heart defects, where incorrect left–right patterning can lead to abnormal cardiac looping, malpositioning, and complex structural malformations. Building on our recent work identifying R-Spondin 2 (Rspo2) as a flow-mediated, sinistralizing signal in the Xenopus LRO, we are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist to extend and mechanistically deepen these discoveries.
Key publications:
Lee H, Camuto CM, Niehrs C. R-Spondin 2 governs Xenopus left-right body axis formation by establishing an FGF signaling gradient. Nat Commun (2024). PMID: 38307837.
Niehrs C, Zapparoli E, Lee H. ‘Three signals – three body axes’ as patterning principle in bilaterians. Cells Dev (2024). PMID: 39121910.
Your Tasks
You will investigate how extracellular signals are shaped by cilia-driven flow to break symmetry and how FGF signaling dynamics and receptor trafficking encode the LR vector. Depending on your profile, the project can emphasize Xenopus - or mouse embryology/embryoid research. Besides standard molecular embryology techniques, the project will involve advanced imaging, transcriptomics, and embryoid culture.
Your Profile
Applicants should hold a PhD in developmental biology and have hands-on experience with vertebrate embryology. We are an English-speaking laboratory, so we expect very good English skills.
Interested applicants should submit their documents via our online application tool. The cover letter should state research and career interests, availability date, a list of publications, and details of two references. Incomplete applications will not be considered or acknowledged. Questions may be addressed to office.niehrs@dkfz-heidelberg.de.
We Offer
Excellent framework conditions: state-of-the-art equipment and opportunities for international networking at the highest level
Remuneration according to TV-L incl. occupational pension plan and capital-forming payments
30 days of vacation per year
Flexible working hours
Possibility of mobile work and part-time work
Family-friendly working environment
Sustainable travel to work: subsidized Germany job ticket
Our Corporate Health Management Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being
Develop your full potential: access to the DKFZ International Postdoc Program and DKFZ Career Service with targeted offers for your personal development to further develop your talents
Are you interested?
Then become part of the DKFZ and join us in contributing to a life without cancer!
Prof. Dr. Christof Niehrs
Phone: +49 (0)6221-42 4690
Applications by e-mail cannot be accepted.
We are convinced that an innovative research and working environment thrives on the diversity of its employees. Therefore, we welcome applications from talented people, regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical ability, religion and age. People with severe disabilities are given preference if they have the same aptitude.
