The Department of General and Visceral Surgery (Head: Prof. Dr. Stefan Fichtner-Feigl), University Medical Center Freiburg offers as soon as possible the position of a
Lab Head (m/f/d) – Surgical Research (Oncoimmunology and Tumor Metabolism for Colorectal Cancer)
About us:
- The Department of General and Visceral Surgery conducts basic, translational, and clinical research at the interface of immunology and oncology with a strong focus on colorectal cancer (CRC) and the tumor microenvironment, including microbiome-driven mechanisms, murine and human organoid systems, and cutting-edge next-generation sequencing approaches.
- You will work in an international, interdisciplinary environment together with basic scientists, surgeons, clinician scientists, and bioinformaticians.
Your role:
- Lead and strategically develop a laboratory program in surgical research focused on oncoimmunology and tumor metabolism in colorectal cancer within the scientific framework of TRR417 (https://www.trr417.de)
- Design and execute high-impact basic and translational studies interrogating the CRC tumor microenvironment, immune modulation, and metabolic crosstalk
- Establish, optimize, and supervise advanced model systems
- Murine in vivo models (including transgenic/knockout lines)
- Human organoid platforms, including murine organoid-driven metastatic CRC mouse models and ex vivo tissue culture workflows
- Oversee high-end next-generation sequencing pipelines
- Single-cell multi-omics (e.g., scRNA-seq and related modalities) and spatial transcriptomics
- Coordinate data generation with bioinformatics partners and ensure reproducible analysis pipelines in line with TRR417 standards
- Build and manage compliant biobanking workflows (solid tissue and liquid biospecimens)
- Drive collaborative projects within TRR417; ensure scientific fit and active contribution to the consortium’s objectives
- Mentor and supervise team members (PhD students, postdocs, technicians); foster an inclusive, high-performance lab culture
- Contribute to grant applications, reporting duties, and high-quality scientific publications
Your profile:
- PhD/Dr. rer. nat. (or equivalent) and completed postdoctoral training
- Proven expertise in:
- Oncoimmunology and/or tumor metabolism with a strong scientific track record; prior experience in colorectal cancer research is advantageous but not mandatory
- Murine experimental models and human organoid systems
- High-end NGS: single-cell and spatial technologies
- Biobanking of solid and liquid specimens
- strong publication record commensurate with a lab leadership role; experience in third-party funding is an advantage
- demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage complex projects, and collaborate across disciplines (wet lab, clinical, and computational)
- excellent communication skills in English; German language skills are a plus but not mandatory
- clear motivation and concept for aligning your research with the aims of TRR417; please outline this fit in your cover letter
We offer:
- an exciting leadership role in an internationally visible research environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure
- close collaboration with partners in TRR417 across immunology, oncology, microbiology, and bioinformatics
- an interdisciplinary team culture spanning basic scientists, surgeons, clinician scientists, and bioinformaticians
- Employment, salary, and benefits according to the German public sector (TV-L) pay scale
- unless prevented by operational or legal reasons, full-time positions are generally open to job sharing; where candidates are equally suitable, severely disabled applicants will be given priority. Employment decisions are made by the Personnel Department.
Notes:
The University Medical Center Freiburg engages in research, teaching, and healthcare as core responsibilities, aiming to translate cutting-edge science into patient care.
Please apply via the University Medical Center Freiburg online application portal (reference: Lab Head – Surgical Research, Oncoimmunology CRC). We look forward to receiving your application documents.
Application:
Please submit your application in English (single PDF preferred) including:
Please submit your application in English (single PDF preferred) including:
- Cover letter (max. 2 pages), explicitly describing your fit to TRR417 and your lab leadership vision
- CV with publication list and brief statement of contributions to key papers
- Certificates/transcripts (PhD and earlier degrees)
- Contact details of 2–3 referees
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Prof. Dr. Stefan Fichtner-Feigl:
stefan.fichtner@uniklinik-freiburg.de
