Job Description

The Position

This two-year postdoctoral project aims to advance patient-relevant test systems for respiratory research by translating established assays from primary cells to induced alveolar type 2 (iAT2) cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The project will establish robust iAT2 differentiation protocols, automate cell culture processes, validate functional assay systems, and adapt clinical biomarker measurements to the new cellular platform. The project is structured to deliver foundational methods and scalable solutions for preclinical development.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now and join us in shaping breakthrough scientific insights.

This Position is limited for 2 years.
Note: To make it easier to find our job advertisements, we use the usual designation "postdoc". Of course, this advertisement is not only addressed to applicants directly after completing their doctorate, but to all qualified candidates.

Tasks & responsibilities

• You will establish iAT2 differentiation from iPSCs: this includes the adaption and application of in-house protocols, for differentiating iPSCs into functional iAT2 cells, drawing on current epithelial lineage methods to ensure reproducibility and scalability.
• You’ll also be responsible for the automation of the differentiation and feeding processes: therefore, you will Implement automated systems for cell differentiation and maintenance, reducing manual variability
• In addition, you will validate assay systems with iAT2 cells: this means the application of iAT2 cells to- and validate in established patient-relevant assays (e.g., surfactant secretion, viability, and response to stimuli) using iAT2 cells, confirming their functional equivalence to primary cells.
• Furthermore, you’ll translate clinical biomarkers to iAT2 assays: this means the incorporation of clinically established biomarkers into iAT2-based assays, ensuring direct relevance to patient outcomes and facilitating translational research.
• Finally, you will adapt assays for iAT2 Cell Use: modify and optimize assay protocols for compatibility with iAT2 cells, including adjustments for cellular behavior, marker expression, and assay sensitivity.

Requirements

• PhD in Biology, Regenerative Medicine, Pulmonary / Stem Cell Research, Molecular Medicine, or a related field
• Few years of experience, preferentially from doctoral training, in iPSC maintenance and differentiation or cell culture automation is a must. Experience in both is an advantage.
• Hands-on Experience with differentiation into epithelial cell lineages, preferably lung or gut.
• Long-term hands-on experience with basic lab-based technologies: FACS, PCR, and cellular imaging techniques.
• Proven experience in mammalian cell culture and experimental assay execution.
• Interest in pharmacology and drug discovery; training in drug testing and mechanistic studies will be provided.

As part of our commitment to transparency and fairness, salary information will be shared during the recruitment process. We also offer a comprehensive benefits and wellbeing package. Applications from people with severe disabilities are warmly welcomed. In cases of equal qualifications, such applicants will be given preferential consideration in the selection process.

Ready to contact us?

If you have any questions about the job posting or process - please contact our HR Direct Team, Tel: +49 (0) 6132 77-3330 or via mail: hr.de@boehringer-ingelheim.com

Recruitment process:

Step 1: Online application - The job posting is presumably online until July 13th, 2026. We reserve the right to take the posting offline beforehand.
Step 2: Virtual meeting in the period from beginning till mid of July 2026
Step 3: On-site interviews starting in the beginning of September 2026

Please include the following documents when applying for this position: application letter, CV and work references (if available)