Postdoctoral Researcher – Left-Right Asymmetry in Xenopus and Mouse Development

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The Division of Molecular Embryology (headed by Prof. Dr. Christof Niehrs) is seeking as of June 2026 a Postdoctoral Researcher – Left-Right Asymmetry in Xenopus and Mouse Development.

Reference number : 2025-0328

• Heidelberg
• Full-time
• Molecular Embryology

Research focus of the division :

Vertebrate organ laterality relies on cilia-driven leftward flow in the left–right organizer (LRO), but the identity and mechanism of the flow-transported symmetry-breaking cue has long remained elusive. Defects in this process are a major cause of laterality disorders and are tightly linked to congenital heart defects, where incorrect left–right patterning can lead to abnormal cardiac looping, malpositioning, and complex structural malformations. Building on our recent work identifying R-Spondin 2 (Rspo2) as a flow-mediated, sinistralizing signal in the Xenopus LRO, we are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist to extend and mechanistically deepen these discoveries.

Key publications :

Lee H, Camuto CM, Niehrs C. R-Spondin 2 governs Xenopus left-right body axis formation by establishing an FGF signaling gradient. Nat Commun (2024). PMID : 38307837.

Niehrs C, Zapparoli E, Lee H. ‘Three signals – three body axes' as patterning principle in bilaterians. Cells Dev (2024). PMID : 39121910.

You will investigate how extracellular signals are shaped by cilia-driven flow to break symmetry and how FGF signaling dynamics and receptor trafficking encode the LR vector. Depending on your profile, the project can emphasize Xenopus - or mouse embryology / embryoid research. Besides standard molecular embryology techniques, the project will involve advanced imaging, transcriptomics, and embryoid culture.

Applicants should hold a PhD in developmental biology and have hands-on experience with vertebrate embryology. We are an English-speaking laboratory, so we expect very good English skills.

Interested applicants should submit their documents via our online application tool. The cover letter should state research and career interests, availability date, a list of publications, and details of two references. Incomplete applications will not be considered or acknowledged. Questions may be addressed to office.niehrs@dkfz-heidelberg.de.