Research Associate / Predoc (m/f/d) Schneider Lab

Research Associate / Predoc (m/f/d)

in the Schneider Lab at the Center for Regenerative Therapies

The position is available starting January 1, 2027, on a part-time basis with 26Workinhours (65%) for a fixed term of 36 months. Remuneration is based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federal States (TV-L); classification in pay group E13 is possible, subject to the fulfillment of personal requirements. 

The Schneider Lab investigates how inter-organ communication and neural, immune, and metabolic circuits shape chronic liver disease and liver cancer. Our research lies at the interface of hepatology, neurobiology, immunology, and systems medicine. We combine state-of-the-art experimental disease models with spatial and single-cell technologies, advanced imaging, molecular profiling, and translational studies using well-characterized patient cohorts and human biospecimens.

The doctoral position is embedded within the ERC Starting Grant project LIVER-CIRCUITS, which aims to uncover how the nervous system regulates the initiation, progression, and cellular organization of liver disease. A particular focus will be placed on understanding how neural signals interact with immune, stromal, and epithelial cells within the liver microenvironment, and how these interactions influence tissue remodeling and disease progression.

The prospective doctoral project will use complementary genetic, pharmacological, and functional approaches to map and perturb liver-associated neural circuits, define their downstream cellular and molecular effects, and determine their relevance in human disease. The project will integrate experimental models with technologies such as spatial transcriptomics, single-cell profiling, advanced microscopy, and analysis of human tissue samples. The overall aim is to identify previously unrecognized neuro-immune and neuro-epithelial circuits that control liver disease and to translate these mechanistic insights into novel biomarkers and therapeutic concepts.

Your responsibilities:

• Conduct an independent doctoral research project investigating neural and neuro-immune mechanisms in chronic liver disease and liver cancer within the ERC Starting Grant project LIVER-CIRCUITS
• Investigate how liver-associated neural circuits regulate immune, stromal, and epithelial cell states, tissue remodeling, and disease progression
• Map and functionally perturb neural pathways using complementary genetic, pharmacological, and experimental approaches
• Plan, perform, document, and evaluate experiments using relevant cellular and experimental disease models
• Process and analyze biological samples from experimental models and human cohorts
• Apply molecular and cellular biology techniques, which may include PCR, gene-expression analyses, immunoblotting, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, histology, and microbiological methods
• Contribute to microbiome, transcriptomic, metabolomic, and other multi-omics analyses in collaboration with experienced postdocs
• Perform statistical analyses and integrate experimental and clinical datasets
• Present research findings at internal meetings and scientific conferences
• Prepare scientific manuscripts and contribute to research reports and grant-related documentation
• Participate actively in the scientific activities of the Schneider Lab, the CRTD, and collaborative research networks
• Support the supervision of students and contribute to shared organizational responsibilities within the laboratory

Your Profil:

• A very good university degree, such as a master’s degree or equivalent, in biology, molecular medicine, biomedicine, biochemistry, biotechnology, microbiology, immunology, neuroscience, bioinformatics, nutritional sciences, or a related discipline
• Strong interest in microbiome research, chronic liver disease, neuroimmunology, mucosal immunology, and inter-organ communication
• Experience in molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, immunology, neuroscience or experimental disease models
• Previous experience with microbiome analyses, sequencing-based methods, bioinformatics, mouse models (FELASA certificate), or analysis of human biospecimens is advantageous but not essential
• Willingness to work with murine experimental models and human biological samples
• Basic knowledge of statistical data analysis; experience with R, Python, or comparable software is advantageous
• A high degree of motivation, scientific curiosity, reliability, and organizational ability
• Ability to work independently while contributing constructively to an interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment
• Very good written and spoken English; knowledge of German is advantageous but not required
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills

We offer:

• Compensation: Based on the TV-L collective bargaining agreement in pay grade E13, plus an annual bonus, provided you meet the personal requirements
• Vacation: 30 days of paid vacation
• Professional Development: Extensive internal and external training and development opportunities to continuously strengthen your skills
• Company Culture: We value transparency, team spirit, and shared success. Celebrate with us at company gatherings or sporting events like the Rewe Team Challenge
• Mobility: A subsidy for a job ticket to make your commute eco-friendly and convenient
• Health: We promote your well-being with modern fitness and exercise programs at our health center, mental health programs, and a comprehensive workplace health management program
• Shopping benefits: Take advantage of employee discounts at our clinic pharmacy, exclusive corporate benefits, and other shopping portals
• Work-life balance: Our Family Office supports you with questions regarding daycare spots, vacation programs, and caring for family members. We also offer flexible work arrangements

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Dr. Kai Markus Schneider (markus.schneider@ukdd.de).