SynthImmune is a new Cluster of Excellence based in Heidelberg that started on 1 January 2026. SynthImmune addresses major global health challenges such as AIDS, malaria, and hard-to-treat cancers, including pancreatic and brain tumors, by advancing bottom-up synthetic immunology. Bottom-up synthetic biology harnesses an extensive nanotechnology toolbox to engineer molecular and cellular systems from scratch and equip them with defined, programmable functions. These systems are increasingly tailored to perform targeted immune functions and to enable intervention strategies by rational design. SynthImmune positions bottom-up synthetic immunology as an emerging frontier field that leverages nanotechnology to drive conceptual and technological innovations in therapy and the prevention of infectious diseases and cancer.
SynthImmune connects Heidelberg University across faculties with external partners, including the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), the Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), and the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research (MPImF). In addition, SynthImmune maintains strong international collaborations, including with SynBioAfrica in Uganda and the Botnar Institute for Immune Engineering in Switzerland.
SynthImmune integrates synthetic biology, immunology, oncology, infectious disease research, molecular and cell biology, nanotechnology, computational and systems biology, and bioengineering, fostering close interaction between experimental, theoretical, and translational research.
(Planned) Support Activities for Postdocs
Postdoc Fellowships (Incl. Consumables) | Alliance Fellowships for Interdisciplinary Projects | Access to Intramural Funding Programs (Clinician Scientists, Data Scientists) | Transition to Independence / Group Leader Support | Transition-to-Independence Fellowships | Support to Apply for Independent Junior Group Leader Fellowships | Career Development & Training | heiTRACKS: Training, Career Coaching, Leadership & Management Programs | EMBO Laboratory Leadership Courses | Structured Mentoring With SynthImmune PIs | Annual Retreats | Young Marsilius Fellows Program ) | Governance & Representation | Postdocs Elect Their Own Representatives for the Steering Committee | Active Involvement in Cluster Governance
Recruiting
Open positions are listed on the cluster’s job page as well as their application portal and on LinkedIn.
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