Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) – Neuro–Tumor Signaling in Pancreatic Cancer in München

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) invites applications for afull-time two-year postdoctoral position (with a potential one-year extension)investigating the mechanisms by which neuronal activity regulates pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) progression. The position is embedded in aDFG- and ERC-funded research programfocused on deciphering functional neuron–cancer communication and its relevance for pancreatic cancer biology.

The project builds on our recent discovery that PDAC cells establish functional neuron–cancer pseudo-synapses, in which neuronal glutamate activates GRIN2D-containing NMDA receptors and interacts with voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) to regulate tumor-promoting signaling.

Aufgaben

• You will dissect the underlyingGRIN2D–VGCC–Ca²⁺–CaMK signaling axisand determine how neuronal activity controls tumor-cell signaling, growth, invasion, and neural interaction.
• A central component of the project will be the functional analysis of neuronal and neuron–tumor signaling, combined with advancedconfocal and super-resolution microscopy, neuron–cancer co-culture systems and tissue-slice models.
• Pharmacological and genetic perturbation strategies will be used to dissect NMDAR and VGCC function and their downstream signaling networks, includingCaMKII/ERK and CaMKIV/CREB1/EZH2 pathways.
• You will work at the interface of fundamental neuroscience, cancer biology, and translational medicine within an internationally visible DFG- and ERC-funded research program.

Profil

• We are therefore particularly seeking a candidate withprofound hands‑on experience in neuronal functional assays, ideally acquired in arenowned neuroscience research environment.
• Relevant expertise should include one or more of the following: live-cell and ratiometric calcium imagingof neuronal activity and Ca²⁺ dynamics, whole‑cell patch‑clamp electrophysiologyand membrane‑potential measurements, multi‑electrode array (MEA) recordings, or comparable state‑of‑the‑art approaches for quantitative analysis and manipulation of neuronal function.
• We seek a highly motivated scientist with aPhD in neuroscience, neurobiology, physiology, biophysics, cancer biology, or a closely related discipline. Strong experimental expertise in functional neuroscience is essential.
• Candidates with substantial experience incalcium imaging, patch‑clamp electrophysiology, MEA‑based neuronal recordings, or comparable neuronal functional analyseswill be particularly encouraged to apply.
• Experience in PDAC, cancer neuroscience, or tumor–neuron interactions is advantageous butnot required. Previous postdoctoral experience is desirable.
• The ability to drive the project with a high degree of excitement is encouraged

Benefits

• The position is based at TUM’s Research Center for Translational Medicine (RDI) and is embedded in an interdisciplinary environment bringing together expertise from the Departments of Neuroscience, Surgery, and Anesthesiology and Intensive Care.
• Located in Munich, TUM offers an outstanding international research environment, excellent imaging and electrophysiology infrastructure, and close interactions with leading academic, clinical, and biotechnology institutions.
• EGYM well pass, corporate benefits and discounts (e.g. Käfer), cafeteria, sports and cultural offers
• Working in the heart of Munich at Max‑Weber‑Platz with very good accessibility by public transport such as the subway, S-Bahn or tram
• Company pension plan through the Federal and State Pension Institute (VBL)
• Self‑realization through a varied and technically demanding job with interdisciplinary cooperation between various departments of the TUM Klinikum

Kontakt

Gerhard Rammes

Klinik für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin

089 4140 9839

Weitere Informationen

Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference where their qualifications are otherwise essentially equivalent.

Unfortunately, application expenses cannot be reimbursed.

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