The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) is one of Europe’s largest cancer research centers. “Research for a life without cancer" is the mission of our world-class scientists and all our team members.

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Contribute your knowledge, vision, and dedication to create a space where scientific discovery in cancer research is transformed into benefits for human health.

The Division of Molecular Embryology (headed by Prof. Dr. Christof Niehrs) is seeking as of June 2026 a

Postdoctoral Researcher – Left-Right Asymmetry in Xenopus and Mouse Development

Reference number: 2025-0328

• Heidelberg
• Full-time
• Molecular Embryology

Research focus of the division:
Vertebrate organ laterality relies on cilia-driven leftward flow in the left–right organizer (LRO), but the identity and mechanism of the flow-transported symmetry-breaking cue has long remained elusive. Defects in this process are a major cause of laterality disorders and are tightly linked to congenital heart defects, where incorrect left–right patterning can lead to abnormal cardiac looping, malpositioning, and complex structural malformations. Building on our recent work identifying R-Spondin 2 (Rspo2) as a flow-mediated, sinistralizing signal in the Xenopus LRO, we are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist to extend and mechanistically deepen these discoveries.
Key publications:
Lee H, Camuto CM, Niehrs C. R-Spondin 2 governs Xenopus left-right body axis formation by establishing an FGF signaling gradient. Nat Commun (2024). PMID: 38307837.
Niehrs C, Zapparoli E, Lee H. ‘Three signals – three body axes’ as patterning principle in bilaterians. Cells Dev (2024). PMID: 39121910.

Your Tasks

You will investigate how extracellular signals are shaped by cilia-driven flow to break symmetry and how FGF signaling dynamics and receptor trafficking encode the LR vector. Depending on your profile, the project can emphasize Xenopus - or mouse embryology/embryoid research. Besides standard molecular embryology techniques, the project will involve advanced imaging, transcriptomics, and embryoid culture.

Your Profile

Applicants should hold a PhD in developmental biology and have hands-on experience with vertebrate embryology. We are an English-speaking laboratory, so we expect very good English skills.

Interested applicants should submit their documents via our online application tool. The cover letter should state research and career interests, availability date, a list of publications, and details of two references. Incomplete applications will not be considered or acknowledged. Questions may be addressed to office.niehrs@dkfz-heidelberg.de.

We Offer

• Excellent framework conditions: state-of-the-art equipment and oppor­tunities for inter­national networking at the highest level
• Remuneration according to TV-L incl. company pension scheme and capital-forming benefits
• 30 days of vacation per year
• Flexible working hours
• Possibility of mobile work and part-time work
• Family-friendly working environ­ment
• Sustainable travel to work: subsidized Germany job ticket
• Our Corporate Health Manage­ment Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being
• Develop your full potential: access to the DKFZ International Postdoc Program and DKFZ Career Service with targeted offers for your personal development to further develop your talents

Contact:
Prof. Dr. Christof Niehrs
Phone: +49 (0)6221-42 4690

The position is limited to 3 years.

Application Deadline: 09.01.2026
Applications by e-mail cannot be accepted.
Please also note that we cannot return applications submitted by post.

Are you interested?

Then become part of the DKFZ and join us in contributing to a life without cancer!

We are convinced that an innovative research and working environment thrives on the diversity of its employees. Therefore, we welcome applications from talented people, regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical ability, religion and age. People with severe disabilities are given preference if they have the same aptitude.

Notice: We are subject to the regulations of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG). Therefore, all our employees must provide proof of immunity against measles.

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