Research Technician/Lab Manager (m/f/d)
- Stem cell culture and 3D embryonic models (Gastruloids)
Our Research Focus:
During early embryonic development, suboptimal cells need to be detected and eliminated to ensure that only the fittest cells participate in creating the body. To achieve this, cells undergo a process called Cell Competition, in which neighboring cells compare their relative fitness to each other, after which, cells that are less fit than their neighbors undergo cellular suicide by apoptosis. We recently characterized this process in detail using gastruloids, a 3D embryonic stem cell-based in vitro system that recapitulates aspects of embryonic development from the blastocyst- up to somitogenesis stage (Frenster et al., Nature Cell Biology 2026). The open questions in the field are now: 1) How do the cells communicate with each other in this process? 2) Are the mechanisms we found in murine developmental systems also true in human development? 3) And, do species with altered quality control mechanisms and cancer resistance differ in their cell competition behavior?
To answer these questions, we perform high-throughput genetic and pharmacological screens in 3D mouse gastruloids and combine our results with time-resolved transcriptomics to find the communication mechanisms between competing cells. Further, we develop a new model of human 3D gastruloids to finally bring the cell competition field into human development, and lastly, we are using iPSCs of cancer resistant species (naked mole rat iPSCs; elephant iPSCs) to generate their first in vitro 3D developmental models and study the interplay between cancer resistance pathways and developmental fidelity.
Candidates must have:
Completed vocational training as “Medizinisch-Technische*r Assistent*in” (MTA/MTLA), “Biologisch-Technische*r Assistent*in” (BTA) or equivalent qualification
In absence of above-mentioned vocation trainings, candidates must have at least a BSc in biology, with significant practical experience and previous administrative responsibilities
Experience in cell culture
High rigor, independence, and collaborative mindset
Be comfortable speaking about research and lab issues in English language
Experience nice to have but not required:
2D stem cell culture (mouse or human) and 3D culture systems (gastruloids, organoids)
Flow cytometry
Microscopy and simple image analysis
Molecular cloning, CRISPR KO generation
The Position:
As a founding member of this new Emmy Noether group, the Research Technician will be able to influence and shape the infrastructure and lab organization in close collaboration with the group leader. While this position also encompasses administrative roles like ordering reagents and organizing the tangible lab, the candidate is primarily hired as a researcher with an active role in experimentation. Together with the group leader and other lab members, the candidate will participate in ambitious and high-impact projects, while expanding their own experimental skills and “toolbox”.
Our group is embedded in the excellent infrastructure of the University of Freiburg and the CIBSS Cluster of Excellence. The position is fully funded following DFG guidelines and adjusted to level of experience. Following an initial probation time of 3 months, the position is initially set for 6 years.
Earliest (optimal) start date: July 1, 2026; later start dates are possible upon agreement with the PI.
Apply:
Deadline: 29 April 2026.
Note: All applications will be reviewed after the deadline. If you do not hear from the PI before then, this is part of the normal review process and not indicative of your application status.
Please submit a single PDF file containing:
a short cover letter describing your background and interest in our group,
a CV including your training and practical experience, and
contact details for two references.
Name the file “Application_RA_[YourName].pdf” and send it with the subject line “Application RA Cell Competition” to:
Joshua.frenster@gmail.com
