1) Postdoctoral position in T cell tumor immunology
The Lillemeier Lab is seeking a highly motivated and innovative postdoctoral fellow to investigate novel strategies for cancer immunotherapies.
Our group is interested in how T cell activity and function is regulated during immune responses. Ongoing research focuses on the activating T cell receptor (TCR) and inhibitory PD-1 receptor pathways. We are identifying novel molecular mechanisms through multidisciplinary approaches that combine cellular immunology with microscopy, biophysics and biochemistry. Specifically, we have discovered that post-translational modifications control the activities of ZAP70 kinase and SHP2 phosphatase through conformational changes and receptor interaction dynamics. The goal of this postdoctoral position is to characterize these novel mechanisms in mouse tumor models in vivo to determine if they are suitable targets for future immunotherapies.
The successful candidate will investigate the effects of mutant T cell signaling molecules on anti-tumor responses using novel mouse tumor models in vivo. These tumor models have been previously established by the Lillemeier group specifically for these projects. In addition, the T cell signaling mutants will be characterized through ex vivo immunological assays and multidimensional profiling of the tumor infiltrating immune cells.
The Lillemeier lab is highly collaborative with strong ties to the immunology community in Freiburg and beyond. Thus, this postdoctoral position will be an excellent fit for a team player who is interested in collaborative research. The successful candidate will use a state-of-the-art spectral flow cytometer in the Lillemeier lab, and also have access to multiple well-equipped core facilities.
Requirements:
- PhD in immunology, virology, cell biology or related field.
- Publication(s) in peer-reviewed journals.
- Expertise in mouse work, ideally with tumor models. A license to work with animals in the EU (e.g. FELASA certificate) is preferred.
- Expertise in multi-parameter flow cytometry. If required, additional training for spectral flow cytometry will be provided.
- Experience with in vitro immunological assays and tissue culture.
- Familiarity with RNA sequencing and/or TCR repertoire analysis will be useful, but is not required.
This full-time postdoctoral position is available immediately (or as soon as possible) for an initial term until 31st of December 2025 with possibility of extension.
We are particularly pleased to receive applications from women for the position advertised here.
To Apply:
Please include a brief letter of motivation, a description of current research accomplishments and future research interests/goals (not more than one or two pages), CV with publication list and 3+ contact details for referees in a single pdf file. Send your application in electronic form to: lillemeier@bio.uni-freiburg.de
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2) Postdoctoral Position in Single Molecule Microscopy and Immunology in the Lillemeier Laboratory at the University of Freiburg
The Lillemeier Lab is seeking a highly creative, collaborative, and motivated postdoctoral researcher who is interested in visualizing immune responses in T cells using single molecule microscopy.
Our group is interested in the regulation of lymphocyte activity and functions during cancer and autoimmunity. Current research is focused on the activating T cell receptor (TCR) and inhibitory PD1 pathways in T cells. We apply multidisciplinary approaches that combine cutting-edge fluorescence microscopy with biophysics, biochemistry and molecular biology to elucidate how protein conformations, modifications and assembly at the plasma membrane control signal transduction. Specifically, we have discovered that the T cell signaling pathways are segregated into distinct plasma membrane nanodomains (a.k.a. protein islands) that concatenate upon T cell stimulation. We are studying how the signaling pathways utilize nanodomains distribution and dynamics, and how signals are exchanged between them. We aim to identify and modulate spatio-temporal mechanisms that are specific to signaling proteins and/or pathways. Newly identified mechanisms are characterized and targeted in situ and in vivo, including in mice, to modulate anti-tumor responses and autoimmunity. Our goal is to determine the potential of theses mechanisms as future drug targets for immunotherapies.
Multiple projects are currently available to study spatio-temporal mechanisms that control the assembly and signal transduction of the TCR and PD1 pathways at the plasma membrane, as well as the interaction and communication between them and other T cell signaling pathways.
We have three custom-built state of the art microscope systems that are exclusively dedicated to research in the Lillemeier laboratory. Two of these systems were purchased in 2023. Imaging modes frequently utilized for our research include (1) ‘Ring’ – Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF), (2) Widefield or (3) Fluorescence Recovery after Photobleaching (FRAP). Our systems are ideally suited for an array of cutting-edge fluorescence microscopy techniques, specifically single molecule microscopy [i.e. Single Molecule Tracking and Super resolution Microscopy (PALM/STORM)]. Furthermore, we have access to multiple imaging core facilities that allow access to a broad array of additional fluorescence and electron microscopy imaging techniques.
This full-time postdoctoral position is available immediately (starting date as early as possible) for an initial term until 31st of December 2025 with possibility of extension.
We encourage applicants from different areas, e.g. immunology, biology, physics and engineering, with expertise in fluorescence (preferably single molecule) microscopy and a strong interest in immunology. Some experience with programing or relevant software (e.g. Matlab, Micro-Manager and OriginLab) will be beneficial.
This position requires a Ph.D. degree (or equivalent), and publication(s) in peer-reviewed journals.
We are particularly pleased to receive applications from women for the position advertised here.
To Apply:
Please submit (1) a letter of motivation including a description of current research accomplishments and future research interests/goals (not more than two pages), (2) curriculum vitae (CV) with publication list and (3) at least three contact details for referees. Send your application in a single pdf file to: lillemeier@bio.uni-freiburg.de