Research Associate/Predoc (m/f/d) - #2681757

Research Associate/Predoc (m/f/d)

At the Chair of Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology of the Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden

The position is to be filled from November 1, 2026 (subject to the allocation of funds) on a part-time basis with 26 hours per week (65%), limited to 36 months. Compensation is based on the pay scale for the public sector (TV-L) and may be classified in pay grade E13, provided you meets the personal qualifications.

The Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD) is a research institute at TU Dresden and currently hosts over 20 research groups and around 250 employees. Research at the CRTD focuses on regenerative and stem cell research ranging from basic research to application in a clinical-translational context. Researchers at the institute develop new approaches for diagnosis and therapy in the fields of haematology/immunology, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases and bone and tissue regeneration. The CRTD forms an innovative network with partners in science, administration, business and culture.

The Schneider Lab investigates how communication between organs shapes chronic gastrointestinal and liver diseases. Our research focuses on the gut-liver axis, microbial metabolites, immune regulation, neuro-immune interactions, and the molecular and cellular circuits that determine disease initiation, progression, and tissue adaptation. We combine experimental disease models with microbiome and metabolome profiling, spatial and single-cell technologies, and translational studies using well-characterized patient cohorts and human biospecimens.

The prospective doctoral project will investigate how the oral and intestinal microbiome contribute to chronic liver disease. A particular focus will be placed on understanding how diseases of the oral cavity, including periodontitis, reshape the intestinal microbiota, microbial functions, and host immune and neuro-immune responses, thereby promoting liver inflammation and disease progression. The overall aim is to define causal mechanisms and functional oral-gut–liver circuits and to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

• Conduct an independent doctoral research project investigating the oral-gut-liver axis in chronic liver disease
• Study how oral inflammatory diseases and changes in the oral microbiome influence the intestinal microbiota, microbial metabolites, immune responses, and liver pathology
• Plan, perform, document, and evaluate experiments using relevant cellular and experimental disease models
• Process and analyze biological samples from experimental models and human cohorts
• Apply molecular and cellular biology techniques, which may include PCR, gene-expression analyses, immunoblotting, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, histology, and microbiological methods
• Contribute to microbiome, transcriptomic, metabolomic, and other multi-omics analyses in collaboration with experienced postdocs
• Perform statistical analyses and integrate experimental and clinical datasets
• Present research findings at internal meetings and scientific conferences
• Prepare scientific manuscripts and contribute to research reports and grant-related documentation
• Participate actively in the scientific activities of the Schneider Lab, the CRTD, and collaborative research networks
• Support the supervision of students and contribute to shared organizational responsibilities within the laboratory

• University degree at Master´s level, in biology, molecular medicine, biomedicine, biochemistry, biotechnology, microbiology, immunology, neuroscience, bioinformatics, nutritional sciences, or a related discipline
• Strong interest in microbiome research, chronic liver disease, neuroimmunology, mucosal immunology, and inter-organ communication
• Experience in molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, immunology, neuroscience or experimental disease models
• Previous experience with microbiome analyses, sequencing-based methods, bioinformatics, mouse models (FELASA certificate), or analysis of human biospecimens is advantageous but not essential
• Willingness to work with murine experimental models and human biological samples
• Basic knowledge of statistical data analysis; experience with R, Python, or comparable software is advantageous
• A high degree of motivation, scientific curiosity, reliability, and organizational ability
• Ability to work independently while contributing constructively to an interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment
• Very good written and spoken English; knowledge of German is advantageous but not required
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills

• Compensation: Based on the TV-L collective bargaining agreement in pay grade E13, plus an annual bonus, provided you meet the personal requirements
• Vacation: 30 days of paid vacation
• Professional Development: Extensive internal and external training and development opportunities to continuously strengthen your skills
• Company Culture: We value transparency, team spirit, and shared success. Celebrate with us at company gatherings or sporting events like the Rewe Team Challenge
• Mobility: A subsidy for a job ticket to make your commute eco-friendly and convenient
• Health: We promote your well-being with modern fitness and exercise programs at our health center, mental health programs, and a comprehensive workplace health management program
• Shopping benefits: Take advantage of employee discounts at our clinic pharmacy, exclusive corporate benefits, and other shopping portals
• Work-life balance: Our Family Office supports you with questions regarding daycare spots, vacation programs, and caring for family members. We also offer flexible work arrangements

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Dr. Kai Markus Schneider ([email protected]).