PhD position (m/f/d) - LS-2026-1

RxREVU, Inc.; Regensburg; Vor Ort; EUR 52.000 - 72.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

International research environment

Flexible working hours

Company pension scheme (VBL)

Annual special payment

Job ticket

Zusammenfassung

The LIT - Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy invites applications for a PhD position in the Structural Biochemistry group. Work focuses on switchable CARs responsive to tumor microenvironment factors to improve specificity in solid tumors.

You will design CAR constructs, perform cloning and screenings, validate in model systems, and mentor students in a collaborative international setting. Strong English skills and a relevant Master’s degree are required.

Qualifikationen

• Master's degree in biology/ molecular medicine/ Biotechnology or related fields.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

Aufgaben

• Designing and experimentally validating new CAR constructs
• Performing plasmid design, cloning, and potential screening in cell lines or yeast
• Validating constructs in relevant model systems
• Mentoring of M.Sc. or B.Sc. students
• Using protein-structure visualization software (e.g., PyMOL)
• Cultivation and modification of primary human or murine T-cells, as well as HEK-293T, Jurkat, and various cancer cell lines
• Production of lentiviruses or retroviruses
• Analysis and execution of experiments to characterize different cell types (e.g., NanoLuciferase measurements using a Tecan Microplate Reader, killing assays using an Incucyte)
• Participation in creating protocols and standard operating procedures

Ausbildung

Master's degree in biology/ molecular medicine/ Biotechnology or related fields

Jobbeschreibung

The LIT - Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (foundation under civil law) (https:\/\/lit.eu) - is a biomedical research center focusing on translational immunology in the fields of cancer immunotherapy, transplant rejection and autoimmunity. The objective of the LIT is to develop innovative and efficient cellular immune therapeutics in these areas. Our own GMP laboratories and close networking with University and University Hospital offer excellent opportunities for clinical translation of novel immune cell products.

The Structural Biochemistry Group at the LIT is recruiting a

PhD position (m/f/d) - LS-2026-1

Starting as soon as possible. The position is initially limited to three years, with the possibility of extension.

About the project

The newly established Structural Biochemistry group at the LIT combines synthetic biology and computational protein design to develop next-generation T-cell therapies. We focus on creating task-specific protein components, which are subsequently tested in relevant model systems. This includes plasmid design and cloning, as well as screenings in cell lines and primary cells. Our goal will be to eventually develop candidates for clinical testing. In this project, you will work on switchable CARs that respond to soluble factors in the tumor microenvironment.

Your Role:

You will develop CAR-T cells capable of sensing soluble factors in the tumor microenvironment, in addition to recognizing a classical membrane-bound antigen. This dual mechanism is designed to enhance specificity, allowing CAR-T cells to become active exclusively within solid tumors. Your responsibilities will include:

• Designing and experimentally validating new CAR constructs
• Performing plasmid design, cloning, and potential screening in cell lines or yeast
• Validating constructs in relevant model systems
• Mentoring of M.Sc. or B.Sc. students
• Using protein-structure visualization software (e.g., PyMOL)
• Cultivation and modification of primary human or murine T-cells, as well as HEK-293T, Jurkat, and various cancer cell lines
• Production of lentiviruses or retroviruses
• Analysis and execution of experiments to characterize different cell types (e.g., NanoLuciferase measurements using a Tecan Microplate Reader, killing assays using an Incucyte)
• Participation in creating protocols and standard operating procedures

Your profile:

Team player, eager to explore new ways to apply synthetic biology and protein design in therapeutic contexts

• Master's degree in biology/ molecular medicine/ Biotechnology or related fields
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English

You should be comfortable with at least one of the following areas:

• Synthetic biology
• Protein design
• Human T cell immunobiology
• T cell engineering
• Molecular Biology

Experience with lab automation, industry experience, high-throughput technologies (screening, cloning), coding skills and familiarity with software such as Rosetta, ProteinMPNN, or AlphaFold would be a plus. Curiosity to explore options for founding startup would be welcome.

We offer:

• An international cutting-edge research environment that offers exciting and diverse opportunities
• Perspectives for further scientific qualification
• Flexible working hours
• Flat hierarchies and short decision-making processes
• A highly motivated and cooperative team
• Possibility to enroll in the RIGeL graduate school
• Company pension scheme (VBL)
• Annual special payment
• Capital-forming benefits
• Job ticket and more

The remuneration is based on TV-L (E13, 65%).

The LIT places particular emphasis on promoting a healthy work-life balance.

Disabled applicants (m/f/d) with equal qualifications will receive preferential treatment within the recruitment procedure. Please refer to your disability status already in your application.

Please note that expenses that may arise in the context of an eventual job interview cannot be reimbursed.

For more information, please contact Dr. Leo Scheller ([e-mail]).

The application deadline is 06.10.2026.