About us:

We, the Chair of Cell Biology, are part of the Biomedical Center (BMC) of the Faculty of Medicine at LMU. The BMC is located in the western part of Munich on the modern Martinsried campus—one of the top ten scientific hubs in Europe.

We are an international and collaborative research team dedicated to studying the mechanisms of brain regeneration and cancer. Embedded within the Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1744, we focus on understanding neuroregeneration after stroke.

Stroke triggers a remarkable yet poorly understood response in the brain: the accumulation of neuronal progenitors—so-called induced neuroblasts (iNBs)—within the perivascular niche of the injured cortex. These cells are recruited through interactions with endothelial cells and astrocytes, forming a stroke-specific regenerative microenvironment that is not observed in other central nervous system pathologies, such as traumatic brain injury or chronic neuroinflammation. Strikingly, however, despite their abundance, iNBs fail to mature into functional neurons and therefore do not contribute to tissue repair.

This project aims to uncover the mechanisms underlying this regenerative failure and to identify strategies to unlock the latent neurogenic potential of the adult mammalian brain.

We combine state-of-the-art single-cell approaches, cross-species comparative biology, and functional in vivo models to dissect the cellular and molecular architecture of the post-stroke niche. By leveraging the cross-comparison of different pathologies in mammalian systems, we seek to identify signaling pathways that govern brain regeneration.

This project is embedded within the Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1744, providing a highly interactive and interdisciplinary research environment with strong expertise in neurobiology, regeneration, and systems neuroscience.

Key objectives include:

• Defining the cellular composition of the iNB-containing perivascular niche after stroke
• Mapping intercellular communication at single-cell resolution across species
• Identifying pro-regenerative signaling pathways and testing their ability to drive neuronal differentiation in the mouse brain

This work offers a unique opportunity to address a fundamental question in neuroscience: why does the mammalian brain fail to regenerate, and how can this limitation be overcome?

The project has strong translational potential, aiming to lay the groundwork for novel therapeutic strategies to promote neuronal replacement and functional recovery after stroke.

We are looking for you:

Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/x)

in Planegg

Your tasks and responsibilities:

• Design, plan, and execute independent research projects within the framework of CRC 1744, focusing on neuroregeneration after stroke
• Investigate the cellular composition and molecular regulation of the post-stroke perivascular niche using in vivo models
• Apply and further develop state-of-the-art techniques, including single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and in situ validation (e.g., RNAscope)
• Perform functional experiments to test candidate signaling pathways involved in neuronal differentiation and regeneration
• Analyze and interpret complex multi-omics datasets
• Contribute to the development of innovative experimental strategies to promote neuronal regeneration in mammalian systems
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and present results at international conferences
• Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary partners within CRC 1744 and the Biomedical Center (BMC)
• Contribute to grant applications and the overall scientific development of the research group

Your qualifications:

• PhD in neuroscience, biology, biomedicine, or a related field
• Strong background in neurobiology, stem cell biology, or regeneration research
• Experience with in vivo models, ideally mouse
• Hands-on experience with modern molecular and cellular techniques (e.g., RNA sequencing, in situ hybridization, imaging)
• Experience in single-cell transcriptomics and/or bioinformatics analysis is highly desirable
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and interpret experiments
• Strong publication record relative to career stage
• Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken)
• Ability to work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary and international team
• Interest in translational aspects of neuroscience and regenerative biology

Benefits:

• A diverse and stimulating position in an international and highly collaborative research environment
• Integration into the Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1744, providing access to a strong interdisciplinary network and cutting-edge research infrastructure
• Access to state-of-the-art technologies, including single-cell and spatial omics, advanced imaging, and in vivo models
• A high level of scientific independence and the opportunity to develop and lead your own research ideas within the project framework
• Excellent career development opportunities, including support for grant applications, publications, and conference participation
• Active mentoring and career guidance, with opportunities to build an independent research profile
• Opportunities for supervision of students and teaching, supporting academic career progression
• A supportive, inclusive, and collegial work environment with strong team spirit
• A good work–life balance
• Excellent access to public transportation as well as free on-site parking
• The usual social benefits of the public sector, including a company pension scheme
• Salary according to the German public sector agreement (TV-L), including standard benefits (e.g., annual bonus, 30 days of vacation, job ticket, JobBike Bavaria)

People with disabilities who are equally as qualified as other applicants will receive preferential treatment.

Contact:

For further inquiries, please contact Prof. Jovica Ninkovic at jovica.ninkovic@bmc.med.lmu.de.
Please apply exclusively via the online portal. Applications submitted by email cannot be considered.

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