Postdoc (m/f/x) - Immunology of Aging

Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI)

The Leibniz Institute on Aging – Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI) in Jena is a federal and state government-funded research institute and member of the Leibniz Association (Leibniz-Gemeinschaft). FLI’s internationally visible and highly competitive research is focused on understanding the mechanisms of aging and associated age-related diseases. Scientists from over 40 countries are currently investigating the molecular mechanisms of aging and the occurrence of age-related diseases. Our aim is to create the basis for new approaches in medicine as a way to improve the health of the elderly (www.leibniz-fli.de).

The Research Group led by Prof. Claudia Waskow at FLI is looking for a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/x) to support and develop a project on hematopoietic stem cell homeostasis and its impact on altered immune cell output over life time. We plan to employ inflammatory challenges and will combine experimental animal models with studies on human cells to translate principles and mechanisms to explore the interdependence between immunity, hematopoiesis, and aging aiming at a deeper understanding of sequela. Research focus of the lab:
The Waskow Research Group strives for understanding regulatory mechanisms in blood cell regeneration at different ages and aims to characterize how stem and progenitor cell fate and function is altered between steady state and inflammatory conditions. We further explore how homeostasis of immune cell populations – embryonic macrophages are at the center of our attention – contribute to organismal aging.

Your tasks:

• Designing and performing experimental studies using animal models and human cells
• Planning and conducting animal experiments
• Analyzing, documenting, and presenting experimental data and results
• Actively participating in scientific discussions and team meetings
• Taking over project responsibility
• Collaborating closely within an interdisciplinary research team
• Sincere interest in analysis of large scale data – we can provide guidance

Your qualifications:

• University degree (PhD, M.D., or equivalent) in biology, life sciences, or biomedicine
• Strong motivation and a genuine interest in stem cell biology, hematopoiesis, and immunobiology
• At least basic experience in bioinformatic analysis (bulk RNA-seq, scRNA-seq, proteomics)
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills
• Solid experience with flow cytometry and **fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)**
• FELASA certification and hands-on experience in planning and conducting animal experiments
• B2 Level in German language is advantageous

If you enjoy experimental science, love to discuss your findings, and cherish working in a collaborative research team – you might just be the person we're looking for!

We Offer:

• You will become part of a world-leading research institute dedicated to the biology of aging and have the opportunity to join a very well-equipped lab with an international team and the focus on immunobiology.
• You will have access to multiple state-of-the-art facilities. Our work is embedded in the Beutenberg Campus, an interdisciplinary base for innovative research.
• The offered position is integrated in the FLI PostDoc Network. The Network promotes interdisciplinary collaborations involving clinician scientists, basic scientists, and bioinformaticians and supports career development and postdoctoral training courses.
• The contract conditions and the salary will be according to the collective labor agreement for public service employees of the federal states of Germany (E 13 TV-L).
• Furthermore, we offer flexible working time, a family-friendly working environment that provides a healthy work-life balance, company health management, including support for child care solutions, and dual career options.

Application:
Please apply online through the FLI application portal by December 31, 2025.

FLI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and promotes diversity. It aims to increase the proportion of underrepresented groups in case of equal suitability. All qualified persons, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other classification protected by law will receive consideration for employment.