Scientist (m/f/d) Tumor Biology/Preclinical Science

The Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI) in Jena is a federal and state government-fundedresearch institute and member of the Leibniz Association (Leibniz-gemeinschaft). FLI’ s internationally visible and highlycompetitive research is focused on understanding the mechanisms of aging and associated age-related diseases.Scientists from over 40 countries are currently investigating the molecular mechanisms of aging and the occurrence ofage-related diseases. Our aim is to create the basis for new approaches in medicine as a way to improve the health of theelderly (www.leibniz-fli.de).

The research group “Nerve Regeneration” led by Prof. Dr. Helen Morrison at the Leibniz Institute on Aging – FritzLipmann Institute is looking for a

Scientist (m/f/d) Tumor Biology / Preclinical Science

Research focus of the Lab:

The Morrison lab is interested in the processes of peripheral nerve regeneration, aging, and pathology. We focus on age-dependent impairments underlying nervous system maintenance and regeneration, as well as on disease mechanisms fordisorders of myelinating cells and nervous system tumors. Particularly, we are focusing on mechanisms of and potentialinterventions for NF2- and Lztr1-related schwannomatosis.

Our aim is to perform translational work in each of these areas, bridging basic to preclinical science andfacilitating the development of new therapeutic avenues.

Supporting our efforts, we are well connected to patientrepresentatives and external partners such as the Childrens Tumor Foundation, the Merlin Foundation, the BIH QuestCenter for Responsible Research and Responsible PrecliniX unit as well as clinicians and industry partners.

Tasks and Challenges:

We are looking for a highly motivated scientist to joinour preclinical project team led by Dr. Lars BjörnRiecken. Successful applicants will be enthusiasticabout translating fundamental research towards noveltherapeutic approaches to treat peripheral nervepathologies, in particular Neurofibromatosis Type II(NF2). They will work well both within our establishedteam as well as highly independent, proactivelydriving project development and execution as well ascontributing to further expansion of our preclinicalexpertise.

Sucessful applicants will employ a broad spectrum oftechniques ranging from molecular biology andimaging techniques to mammalian cell culture and exvivo as well as in vivo mouse work, includingperipheral nerve surgery and therapeutic injections.Where applicable, the applicant will perform this workwithin our established project framework followinghuman clinical trial and reporting standards (e.g.blinding, randomization, study preregistration).

The current position prioritizes technical skills andscientific qualification over independent academiccareer development. Thus, we explicitly also encourageapplications from highly qualified M.Sc. without (immediate) plans for a doctorate.

Requirements:

• PhD in Biology or related field, alternatively M.Sc. withrelevant experience
• Experience in working with laboratory mice
• Expierence in mammalian cell culture
• Excellent spoken and written English

Will be a substantial plus:

• FELASA B certification or equivalent
• Experience in surgery and injection techniques
• Experience in molecular biology (e.g. WB, PCR, IHC)and cellular assays (e.g. EdU)
• Experience in biosafety level 2 work (viral transductions)

Will be beneficial:

• Experience in Neurofibromatosis, Schwann cell biology,PDX mouse models
• Knowledge on AAV, Lentivirus, CRISPR, Gene Editingand/or Replacement
• Experience in Project Design and Management, QualityManagement
• Experience in standards of (pre)clinical and reproduciblescience

We offer:

• A position in a well-equipped lab and with a motivated team that aims to bridge bench and clinical research.
• Access to multiple state-of-the-art facilities. Our work is embedded in the Beutenberg Campus , an interdisciplinary basefor innovative research.
• A position integrated in the FLI PostDoc Circle. The Postdoc Circle promotes interdisciplinary collaborations involvingclinician scientists, basic scientists and bioinformaticians and supports career development and postdoctoral trainingcourses.
• The contract conditions and the salary will be according to the collective labour agreement for public service employeesof the federal states of Germany (TV-L E13) planned for 2 years initially, with a possibility of extension for the project.
• Flexible working time, a family friendly working environment that provides a healthy work-life balance, company healthmanagement including support for childcare solutions and dual career options
• We provide support with various qualification and further training opportunities, use of the Haufe learning platform withnumerous different online courses

Application:

Please apply online through the FLI application portal by 10.12.2023.