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.

The DKFZ is a place where the brightest minds pursue bold ideas and seek answers to pioneering scientific questions through collaboration, innovation, and exploration across many disciplines. We provide a dynamic environment which empowers excellence with state-of-the-art technologies, cutting edge infrastructure, and a global scientific network.

Contribute your knowledge, vision, and dedication to create a space where scientific discovery in cancer research is transformed into benefits for human health.

The Division "Systems Biology of Signal Transduction", headed by Prof. Dr. Ursula Klingmüller, is seeking a

Postdoctoral Researcher in Inter-organ Communication between Liver and Heart

Reference number: 2025-0307

• Heidelberg
• Full-time
• Systems Biology of Signal Transduction

Our division integrates advanced experimental methods with mechanistic mathematical modeling to decipher how cells respond to environmental signals in health and disease. Understanding the fine-tuned regulation of signal transduction pathways is essential to uncover disease mechanisms, to identify novel therapeutic targets, particularly in cancer and chronic liver disease, and to predict innovative intervention strategies.
As part of the EU-funded ARTEMIS network, we contribute to the development of digital twin solutions as clinical decision support systems and investigate liver-heart communication. A particular focus is on the risk stratification of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) at various stages. In our interdisciplinary effort, we combine mass spectrometry-based proteomics with dynamic pathway modeling to identify relevant biomarkers to diagnose patients at high risk for adverse cardiovascular events or outcomes, which might help to optimize their clinical care.
To support our interdisciplinary team, we are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to start in February 2026 to develop virtual twins for inter-organ communication between the liver and heart.

Your Tasks

• Development of a mass spectrometry-based method for the quantitative analysis of liver and heart tissue and plasma proteins from MASLD patients and mouse models, including the implementation of experimental strategies, project planning, literature research on MASLD/CVD, data analysis pipelines, and mass spectrometry
• Conducting experiments to identify proteins relevant for the cross-talk between the liver and heart with relevance in MASLD patients
• Documentation and publication of research findings in scientific journals and book chapters, as well as presentation of results at lectures and scientific conferences
• Coordination and review of legal and scientific documents (e.g., Joint Consortia Agreements, Data Sharing Agreements, etc.)
• Development of medical products (medical devices) and securing of inventions through intellectual property rights (e.g., patents), and contribution to the patent and commercialization strategy for the project

Your Profile

• PhD in biochemistry, systems biology, bioinformatics, or a related life science discipline
• Proven expertise in mass spectrometry-based proteomics and knowledge in liver and/or cardiovascular diseases
• Solid experience in handling complex omics datasets and in applying statistical and computational tools for data analysis
• Familiarity with mathematical modeling in systems biology and pathway-level data integration is advantageous
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills with proficiency in English, and motivation to work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment
• A strong scientific track record demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals

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 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

Contact:
Prof. Dr. Ursula Klingmüller
Phone: +49 (0)6221/42-4481

The position is initially limited to 2 years with the possibility of prolongation.

Application Deadline: 07.01.2026

Applications by e-mail cannot be accepted.
Please also note that we cannot return applications submitted by post.

Are you interested?

Then become part of the DKFZ and join us in contributing to a life without cancer!

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.

Notice: We are subject to the regulations of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG). Therefore, all our employees must provide proof of immunity against measles.

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