The Lab of Translational Microbiome Research (Head: C. Stein-Thoeringer) at the University of Tübingen, part of the Cluster of Excellence “Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections” (CMFI), studies the cross-talk between gut microbes, pathogens, the immune system and environmental factors in cancer development, therapy and infections. Our goal is to understand how individual bacteria, microbial consortia and microbial perturbations (e.g., through diet or antibiotics) influence inflammatory responses and metabolic disturbances to drive carcinogenesis and metastasis in preclinical models. We also investigate how cancer therapies interact with the gut microbiome in patients and mouse models, exploring causal relationships through direct host-microbe interactions or microbial metabolites. We combine advanced wet-lab and bioinformatics approaches, including culture-omics, high-resolution metagenome sequencing, and multi-omics profiling of the host’s immune system and metabolome. Causal microbe-host interactions are further examined using (gnotobiotic) mouse models. On the translational side, we conduct clinical studies to analyze patient microbiomes, disease associations, and environmental influences, as well as microbiome-based interventions to improve patient outcomes.

 

This position focuses on experimental work validating host-microbiome interactions to explore the microbiome’s role in CAR-T cell therapy against. It provides an excellent opportunity to gain experience in translational microbiome research and build a strong scientific profile for a career in academia, industry, or clinical research.

Key Responsibilies:

• Investigate the mechanistic role of the microbiome in CAR-T cell therapy and cancer
• Isolate and characterize disease-associated microbial strains
• Analyze microbial metabolism and immune modulation
• Develop and optimize in vitro models to study microbe-immune cell interactions
• Contribute to biomarker discovery and microbiome-based therapies
• Collaborate with clinical partners Supervise students and research assistants
• Contribute to grant applications and high-impact publications
• Present findings at national and international conferences

Requirements / Qualifications:

• PhD (or equivalent) in microbiology, biology, immunology or a related field
• Strong background in research on host-microbe interactions, immunology, microbiology
• Experience in classical and molecular microbiology techniques, immunology and mouse work
• Experience with immunological assays (FACS etc.) and cell lines
• Strong publication record and demonstrated research productivity (first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals)
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English (written and spoken)
• High attention to detail, strong analytical skills and excellent time management
• Self-motivated, well organized and able to work independently and collaborative

We offer remuneration in accordance with TV-L (collective wage agreement for the Public Service of the German Federal States), severely handicapped persons with equal qualifications are given preferential consideration. Interview expenses are not covered. Please note the applicable vaccination regulations.