Research asscociate/ Doctoral candidate (m/w/d) for the project "The function of tumour-associated neutrophils on the spontaneous regression of colon polyps"

30.09.2026, Wissenschaftliches Personal The Chair for Infection Pathogenesis is looking for academic staff, starting as soon as possible. Background: We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate (E13, 65%) to join a DFG-funded research project investigating the role of tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) in intestinal polyp dynamics in a pig model. The pig model provides an excellent opportunity to explore the diverse facets of comparative immunology and to bridge fundamental immunological mechanisms with translational research. This project aims to elucidate the function of TANs on polyp growth and regression with a particular focus on their interaction with the local tissue microenvironment and immune response. A key component of the project will be the establishment and use of intestinal organoid–neutrophil co-culture models to study TAN-mediated effects on epithelial and polyp cells. The successful candidate will work in an interdisciplinary research environment using state-of-the-art molecular, cellular, immunological, and organoid-based approaches. Your responsibilities The successful candidate will plan and conduct experimental studies investigating TAN phenotypes and functions during intestinal polyp development. The work combines in vivo studies using transgenic animal models, including animal breeding, sample collection, and histopathological analyses, with in vitro organoid–immune cell co-culture systems and molecular, cellular and immunological assays. The candidate will analyze and interpret the resulting data, present findings at scientific meetings, and contribute to manuscripts and reports. Independent experimental work, careful sample handling, and a high level of scientific responsibility are expected. Your qualifications, key skills and experience:

• Master’s degree or Staatsexamen or equivalent in Veterinary Medicine, Animal sciences, Medicine, Biology, Biotechnology or related fields
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in an international team
• Strong interest in tumour immunology, inflammation, and gastrointestinal disease
• Experience with molecular biology, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, cell culture, or animal models is advantageous
• Very good written and spoken English, Strong analysis and problem-solving capacities

What we offer: The candidate will have the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary and international scientific environment. Research staff is supported by easy access to scientific expertise, well-equipped lab and core facilities and an active science community @Weihenstephan Campus. We offer a three-year PhD position funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and an employment according to TV-L E13 (65%). Your application: If you are interested in working in our team, please send your application by mail together with a strong CV and supporting documentation to the Chair of Infection Pathogenesis ([email protected]). Technische Universität München School of Life Sciences – Infection Pathogenesis Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Friederike Ebner Liesel-Beckmann-Str. 1, 80333 Freising Data Protection Information: When you apply for a position with the Technical University of Munich (TUM), you are submitting personal information. With regard to personal information, please take note of the Datenschutzhinweise gemäß Art. 13 Datenschutz-Grundverordnung (DSGVO) zur Erhebung und Verarbeitung von personenbezogenen Daten im Rahmen Ihrer Bewerbung. (data protection information on collecting and processing personal data contained in your application in accordance with Art. 13 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)). By submitting your application, you confirm that you have acknowledged the above data protection information of TUM. Die Stelle ist für die Besetzung mit schwerbehinderten Menschen geeignet. Schwerbehinderte Bewerberinnen und Bewerber werden bei ansonsten im wesentlichen gleicher Eignung, Befähigung und fachlicher Leistung bevorzugt eingestellt. Hinweis zum Datenschutz: Im Rahmen Ihrer Bewerbung um eine Stelle an der Technischen Universität München (TUM) übermitteln Sie personenbezogene Daten. Beachten Sie bitte hierzu unsere Datenschutzhinweise gemäß Art. 13 Datenschutz-Grundverordnung (DSGVO) zur Erhebung und Verarbeitung von personenbezogenen Daten im Rahmen Ihrer Bewerbung. Durch die Übermittlung Ihrer Bewerbung bestätigen Sie, dass Sie die Datenschutzhinweise der TUM zur Kenntnis genommen haben. Kontakt: [email protected] Information