Postdoctoral position: Stem Cell Heterogeneity and Wnt Signaling in Rhabdomyosarcoma

The groups of Josephine Bageritz at Heidelberg University and Christel Herold-Mende at the University Hospital Heidelberg are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join a newly established collaborative research direction at the interface of basic and translational cancer research.
The project will focus on stem cell heterogeneity in rhabdomyosarcoma and the role of Wnt signaling, combining direct access to patient tumor material with primary cell culture, drug screening platforms, and state-of-the-art spatial omics and imaging infrastructure. Importantly, the research project will be developed by the successful candidate in close exchange with the host groups and subsequently submitted as a competitive proposal to the Health + Life Science Alliance. Appointment to the position is therefore contingent upon the applicant’s successful selection in the Alliance postdoctoral program.

We are looking for a curious, self-driven and intellectually independent postdoc with a strong interest in tumor heterogeneity, stem cell biology and translational cancer research.

Qualifications
Applicants should hold a PhD in biology, biomedicine or a related field. Experience with stem cell biology, cancer models, single-cell or spatial omics  technologies, primary cell culture, or functional assays is highly desirable. Motivation to develop an independent project and to work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment is essential.

Funding and application process
The position is funded through the Health + Life Science Alliance program (https://www.health-life-sciences.de/opportunities/postdocs/). Applicants will prepare a short research proposal in close exchange with the host groups and submit it to the Alliance selection process.

Deadline for Alliance submission: March 31, 2026
For project details and initial inquiries, please contact:
Dr. Josephine Bageritz, josephine.bageritz@cos.uni-heidelberg.de