Postdoctoral Researcher (all genders) – Innate Immunology

Main tasks

The I. Department of Medicine at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) is a leading center for research and clinical care in internal medicine, with a strong focus on hepatology, gastroenterology, and immunology.

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Postdoctoral Researcher to join our interdisciplinary research team investigating the role of macrophages in adipose tissue biology and metabolism. The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research combining in vivo and in vitro approaches to understand mechanisms of adipose tissue activation and immune regulation.

Your Responsibilities:

• Perform in vivo experiments using murine models of adipose tissue activation
• Process murine tissues and cells, ensuring the quality and integrity of biological samples
• Isolate and characterize immune cells from murine tissues
• Perform in vitro functional assays using primary murine immune cells
• Conduct molecular and cellular analyses, including quantitative PCR and multiparameter flow cytometry
• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data
• Supervise and train students and interns in laboratory techniques and experimental procedures
• Contribute to the planning, execution, and dissemination of research projects, including participation in scientific meetings and preparation of manuscripts
• Work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research environment

This is a temporary position available from Dec 1st 2026 until 31 July 2029 and will be filled with 30,80 hours per week (80 %), with possibility to increase to 100 %.

Your Profile

• PhD in immunology, cell biology, molecular biology, metabolism, or a related life sciences discipline
• Strong background in macrophage biology or innate immunology
• Experience processing murine tissues and isolating immune cells, ideally including work under Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) conditions
• Hands-on experience with multiparameter flow cytometry and data analysis using FlowJo
• Experience performing sterile cell culture techniques and functional assays with primary immune cells
• Experience in adipose tissue biology, metabolism, or metabolic disease is desirable but not essential
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research team
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Strong written and spoken English

Immunity status

Please note that employment is contingent upon proof of immunization or immunity against the measles virus, in accordance with applicable legal and medical requirements. Documentation (e.g., vaccination certificate) must be provided before employment begins.

Our Offer

• Fair and transparent compensation in accordance with our collective bargaining agreement (TVöD/VKA) (€ 63,600 – € 91,100), taking into account qualifications and professional experience. The salary range applies to a full-time position of 38.5 hours per week. The amounts listed are guidelines and do not constitute a salary guarantee.
• Targeted and individualized professional development at both the technical and project levels is provided, offering long-term prospects in a meaningful work environment
• Comprehensive continuing education and training programs at our UKE Academy for Education and Career
• Opportunities to help shape our “UKE INside” personnel policy through cross-functional and cross-hierarchical projects
• Sustainable commuting: Subsidies for the Deutschlandticket as a job ticket and Dr. Bike bicycle service
• Excellent health, prevention, and sports programs
• Family-friendly work environment: Partnerships for childcare, free vacation care, counseling for employees with family members requiring care
• A secure job, meaningful work, and a supportive team environment
• Structured onboarding and open knowledge sharing within the team
• Our employee restaurant offers a wide variety of culinary options; additional options are available at the “Health Kitchen” cafés and bistros and at a supermarket located directly on the premises

Contact

• Contact to the department

  Dr. Lidia Bosurgi

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• Recruiting contact

  Recruiting Team

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About us

We live diversity and value variety

We offer a work environment that provides equal opportunities regardless of age, gender, sexual identity, disability, ethnic and social origin, or religion. This is confirmed by our accession to the Charter of Diversity. We explicitly aim to increase the proportion of women in management positions, especially among scientific personnel in research and teaching. Women with equal qualifications will be given priority. The same applies in the case of under-representation of one gender in the advertised area. Persons with severe disabilities with equal aptitude, competence, and professional performance will be given priority.

> Learn more about "Diversity at UKE" here.