Postdoc (m/f/d)
Date: 13 Apr 2026
Location: Hannover
Company: Helmholtz-Zentrum für Infektionsforschung GmbH
Job advertisement no. 660
The Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Department Biomarkers in Infection and Immunity (BIOM), is seeking to fill the position of a
Postdoc (m/f/d)
TWINCORE is a joint institution of the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and the Hannover Medical School (MHH). At TWINCORE, medical and basic scientists conduct joint research in infection research, particularly at the interface between basic research and clinical development. This basic research aims to develop new therapies and diagnostic procedures for patients while finding answers to questions arising from clinical practice.
The position involves providing pharmacological and immunological support for the development of inhibitors of the enzyme cis-aconitate decarboxylase (ACOD1). ACOD1 is a newly identified target for the development of small-molecule immunotherapies in infectious diseases and oncology. The work will be conducted within the “Citrapeutics” project, funded by the Institute for Biomedical Translation Lower Saxony, in the Biomarkers for Infectious Diseases research group (led by Prof. Dr. Dr. med. Frank Peßler). The group currently comprises 1 postdoctoral fellow and 5 doctoral students. Our current focus is on the development of ACOD1 inhibitors to enhance the cellular immune response in tumor tissue and during infectious processes. This position offers the opportunity to drive the development of innovative therapies for tumor- and infection-related diseases within a consortium of chemists and immunologists.
Responsibilities:
- Conducting research projects
- Determining cytotoxicity, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, immunological mechanisms, and the efficacy of ACOD1 inhibitors in cell cultures and mouse models
- Supervising students and research assistants
- Preparing and presenting scientific publications
- Assisting with laboratory organization
Requirements:
- A successfully completed university degree and a Ph.D. in the life sciences or a closely related field
- Experience with systematic scientific research
- Knowledge of cell culture and immunological methods
- Experience working with laboratory animals (mice) and relevant certification (e.g., FELASA)
- Basic knowledge of statistics
- Excellent written and spoken English skills
We offer you:
- An attractive and varied job in a future-oriented research institute
- A state-of-the-art infrastructure and the latest technologies
- Flexible working hours, part-time models as well as home office
- A corporate culture of appreciation and promotion of equal opportunities
- Extensive training and continuing education opportunities to develop professional knowledge and personal skills
- A family office to support family and career as well as childcare offers
- Interesting additional public service benefits
- Possibility of an employer subsidy for the job ticket
People with severe disabilities and equivalent professional qualifications who are suitable for the position are given preference. In order to protect your rights, we ask you to provide us with a clearly recognizable reference to the existence of a degree of severe disability in your cover letter or resume.
The position is held at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research GmbH (HZI) in Braunschweig. The place of employment is Hannover.
The HZI is actively committed to equality, diversity and integration. For this reason, the HZI pursues the goal of professional equality between women and men. The position is suitable for part-time work.
For further information please contact Frank Pessler via e-Mail: frank.pessler@twincore.de.
Please apply via our career portal.
Please include a cover letter, resume, (employment) references, certificates, and (if available) work samples or reference projects with your application materials. Please refrain from sending a photo.
We look forward to receiving your application!