Postdoctoral Researcher in Gene Editing of Preleukemia Syndromes

Postdoctoral Researcher in Gene Editing of Preleukemia Syndromes

Company/Institution:University Hospital Tübingen

Department:Division of Translational Oncology

Location:Tübingen, AL, DEU

$50,000 - $99,999

July 18, 2025

July 18-August 31, 2025

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Researcher to join our interdisciplinary team in the Division of Translational Oncology headed by Prof. Julia Skokowa. Our laboratory is dedicated to advancing the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of hematopoiesis, granulopoiesis, and leukemia development. Our research also centers on developing innovative gene therapy approaches for hematopoietic stem cell disorders, with the ultimate goal of clinical translation. Our division focuses on pre-leukemic bone marrow failure syndromes, supported by the in-tegration of the Severe Chronic Neutropenia International Registry (SCNIR), enabling clinical-ly driven translational research. We employ state-of-the-art experimental models to study the pathomecganism of severe congenital neutropenia and Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome as well as the stepwise process of leukemogenic transformation. Our approach integrates gene editing in human and murine primary hematopoietic and iPSC-derived stem cells, in vivo zebrafish and mouse models, integrative multi-omics analyses (e.g., RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, scRNA-seq, scDNA-seq, targeted NGS, and DigiWest), a broad spectrum of molecular and cellular biology techniques, biochemistry and biophysics, computational drug repurposing, and de novo de-sign of novel protein-based therapeutics. Our work also includes developing gene editing strategies to correct or inactivate mutations associated with severe congenital neutropenia, Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome and leukemia for translational research. This position offers the opportunity to implement to the high-impact project „PHOENIX: Promoting Healing and Overcoming ELANE Neutropenia with Ex Vivo CRISPR” with a clear translational goal: bringing gene editing of ELANE-mutated severe congenital neutropenia to clinical application, which is based on a gene editing approach recently published by our group (Nasri M, Ritter M et al., Mol Therapy 2024; Skokowa et al., NEJM 2021). The project is currently funded by the BMBF/SPARK-BIH program. In addition, the postdoc will contribute to the development of gene therapies for other types of congenital neutropenia and other pre-leukemia syndromes.

Key Responsibilities
• Design and conduct in vitro and in vivo experiments using gene-edited hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells.
• Develop and optimize gene editing protocols for therapeutic use.
• Evaluate safety, efficacy, leukemogenicity and off-target effects of gene therapies in preclinical models.
• Actively participate in the development of GMP-compatible protocols for clinical translation.
• Assist in the preparation of regulatory documentation and collaborate with clinical and regulatory teams to support the transition to first-in-human trials.

Qualifications
• PhD or postgraduate degree with focus in cellular and molecular biology, gene editing, human stem cell biology, hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis.
• Experience with gene editing technology, HSC culture, and in vivo models of blood cell disorders is highly desirable.
• Experience in GMP production and clinical trial development is desirable.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• English proficiency is required.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

About the Employer

The Faculty of Medicine is one of the four founding faculties of the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen. With its non-clinical facilities as well as its research and teaching area corresponding to the organisational units of the University Hospital, it is one of the largest medical training and research institutions in Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

What We Offer
• A multicultural, multidisciplinary and highly-motivated team
• A dynamic and supportive research environment within a leading academic institution.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and technologies.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement, including access to the SPARK-BIH mentoring program and participation at national and international conferences.
• Collaboration with clinical and translational research partners.
• Subsidy for public transportation tickets and employee discounts.

Contact Information

Patricia Arreba Tutusaus
Otfried-Müller Str. 10
Tübingen, AL 72076 DEU
[email protected]