Senior Scientist (m/f/d)

The LIT – Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (foundation under civil law) (www.lit.eu) – is a biomedical research center focusing on translational immunology in the fields of cancer immunotherapy, transplant rejection and autoimmunity. The objective of the LIT is to develop innovative and efficient cellular immune therapeutics in these areas. Our own GMP laboratories and close networking with University and University Hospital offer excellent opportunities for clinical translation of novel immune cell products.

 

The Division of Functional Immune Cell Modulation, led by Professor Luca Gattinoni, at the Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (LIT), is recruiting a highly motivated Senior Scientist to join our dynamic team.

 

Senior Scientist (m/f/d) – LG-2025-01

(full time 40.1 hours per week)

 

The position is available starting September 1^st, 2025, and initially limited to two years with the possibility of further employment.

 

The position requires proven experience in T cell immunobiology and T cell engineering/editing. The appointment is initially limited to three years, with the possibility of extension, and will be remunerated according to the TV-L salary scale (TV-L EG 14).

 

Position Description:

 

The successful candidate will lead the development of basic and translational studies in mouse models of T cell therapies. Projects will focus on the regulation of T cell self-renewal and multipotency by transcription factors, microRNAs, and metabolic enzymes. Findings from these studies will be used to enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies based on the adoptive transfer of CAR- or TCR-engineered T cells.

 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

 

• Designing and conducting experiments in mouse models of adoptive immunotherapy and viral infection, including in vivo bioluminescence imaging. Ensuring compliance with animal welfare regulations for all animal work conducted in the laboratory. Isolating T cells using FACS-sorting and immunomagnetic bead separation. Culturing and gene engineering/editing T cells with viral and non-viral delivery platforms. Comprehensive phenotypic and functional characterization of T cells, including: High-dimensional flow cytometry (>15 colors) Proliferation and cytotoxicity assays Cytokine multiplex analyses RT-PCR, immunoblotting, and bioenergetic profiling (Seahorse analysis) Confocal and fluorescence microscopy Luciferase reporter assays

Preparing samples for high-throughput Omics analyses, including RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, single-cell RNA-seq, TCR-seq, and metabolomics. Co-supervising students.  

 

The ideal candidate possesses:

 

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, or a related discipline, with more than 3 years of postdoctoral research experience. Demonstrated ability to lead projects, manage workflows, and foster effective teamwork. Extensive experience with mouse models, including compliance with animal regulatory requirements. Advanced expertise in T cell gene engineering/editing technologies. Strong track record of high-impact publications in peer-reviewed journals. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with fluency in English.

 

 

We offer:

 

• An international cutting-edge research environment that offers exciting and diverse opportunities
• Perspectives for further scientific qualification
• Flexible working hours
• Flat hierarchies and short decision-making processes
• A highly motivated and cooperative team
• Job ticket
• Excellent funding situation and state-of-the-art equipment

 

The remuneration is based on TV-L.

 

The Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy aims to increase the share of women in the workforce. Therefore, qualified female candidates are explicitly encouraged to submit their applications. Moreover, the LIT advocates for the compatibility of family and career.

 

 

 

Disabled applicants (m/f/d) with equal qualifications will receive preferential treatment within the recruitment procedure. Please refer to your disability status already in your application.

 

 

 

Please note that expenses that may arise in the context of an eventual job interview cannot be reimbursed.

 

 

For more information, please contact Prof. Dr. Luca Gattinoni (luca.gattinoni@ukr.de).

 

We are looking forward to receiving your detailed application. Please apply via our  Online – Application Portal the reference LG-2025-01.

 

Application deadline is June 29^th, 2025.