Identification number: KA-HAEMA-2026-003788

Application time: 08/27/2026

We are looking for an excellent researcher with great potential to develop an internationally recognized research agenda in the field of experimental cellular immunotherapy. The Clinical Division of Rheumatology and Immunology and the Clinical Division of Hematology have a longstanding reputation for innovative preclinical and clinical research and share a strong research focus on translational immunology and innovative cellular therapies for autoimmune and hematological diseases. They aim to advance chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy at the interface of autoimmune and hematological diseases, improving target specificity and receptor signaling properties, while reducing off-target toxicity and refining tissue homing behavior. A powerful “CAR-T cell innovation hub” will be formed in cooperation with existing research groups in both divisions and a previously established clinical professorship in cellular immunotherapy. The University Hospital of Blood Group Serology and Transfusion Medicine will be part of this hub, as will molecular imaging facilities at the Medical University of Graz, and may be expanded to relevant departments such as nephrology, neurology, and oncology. State-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure at the Center of Medical Research, which includes ample core facilities and access to Biobank Graz as well as GMP cleanroom facilities and ATMP production capabilities, will support cutting-edge research. The appointee will represent the field of cellular immunotherapy in both research and teaching. The initial appointment is limited to six years. After the conclusion of a qualification agreement, the career advancement goal is to transfer to a tenured position as an associate professor (tenure track professor pursuant to § 99 para. 5 and 6 of the Universities Act). If the candidate demonstrates outstanding and remarkable achievements, the qualification agreement may be fulfilled more quickly.

Core duties and responsibilities:

• Conducting cutting-edge research in the field of cellular immunotherapy with a focus on modulating CAR-T cell receptor signaling, mitigating CAR-T cell exhaustion, and improving tissue homing behavior in the context of autoimmune and hematological diseases
• Employing novel target identification, in vitro vector design, and in vivo testing of CAR-T cells in different murine models
• Producing high-quality scientific publications in the field of cellular immunotherapies and T cell engineering
• Leading an internationally recognized research group and acquiring third-party funding
• Networking through national and international research collaborations
• Teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, supervising diploma and PhD students, and mentoring and promoting young researchers
• Supporting scientific and public outreach in the research area

Successful candidates must have the following qualifications:

• PhD or MD or equivalent doctoral degree in biomedical or life sciences with a background in immunology, hemato-oncology, or a related field
• Profound expertise (at least three years postdoctoral) in the field of cellular therapies and cell-engaging biologics applied to hematological and/or rheumatic diseases
• Expertise in cell engineering, cellular signaling, and relevant animal models
• Proven high-quality publication track record and peer-reviewed research grants or other third-party funding as a lead or principal investigator
• Previous experience in teaching and/or (co)supervising pre- and/or postgraduate students
• Research stay abroad or at a different institution than where the PhD was completed
• High level of proficiency in both written and spoken English (equivalent to proficiency level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
• Within three years of employment: Proficiency in German sufficient for teaching at the Medical University of Graz and participating in university committees (equivalent to proficiency level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)

The ideal candidate has the following profile:

• Experience in in-vitro assay establishment and downstream analyses (at least two assays/methods) for screening of new CAR-T candidates
• Expertise in in-vivo molecular imaging to assess new CAR-T candidates in relevant preclinical disease models
• Background in addressing T-cell exhaustion in rheumatic diseases
• Team player able to motivate colleagues and students
• Responsible work habits and problem-solving skills
• Empathy as well as communication and social skills
• Management and leadership skills
• Gender and diversity skills

Entry date: 12/01/26

limited to 6 years

initially limited to 6 years, becoming a tenured position when the qualification agreement is met

Level of employment: 100%

Classification in employment group A2 according to the collective agreement for university employees.

Application: The Medical University of Graz invites all applicants to submit their application online by August 27, 2026.

Please note that we can only consider complete applications that have been received by the application deadline. A list of the documents to be submitted can be found here.

Statutory information: The minimum remuneration is based on the collective agreement for university employees (KV § 49.2).

Scheduled date for job interview: November 2, 2026 at the Medical University of Graz

The Medical University of Graz is committed to increasing the proportion of women in management positions at universities in Austria and encourages qualified women to apply. Among applicants with equal qualifications, female applicants will be given priority. We also welcome applications from qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage them to apply.