PhD Student for the Molecular Mechanisms of the Abscopal Effect in Pancreatic Cancer

German Cancer Research Center in the Helmholtz Association (DKFZ); Deutschland; Vor Ort; EUR 45.000 - 55.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading cancer research institute in Germany is seeking a dedicated PhD Student to explore the molecular mechanisms of cancer therapy using advanced radiation techniques. This position offers a dynamic research environment with collaboration across European institutions. The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree in a relevant field and hands-on experience in molecular biology techniques. The role includes conducting experiments and publishing results, contributing significantly to cancer research and patient care improvements.

Leistungen

30 days of vacation per year

Flexible working hours

Access to international research networks

Doctoral salary with social benefits

Qualifikationen

• Hands-on experience in cellular and molecular biology techniques.
• Excellent communication in English and ability to work in international teams.

Aufgaben

• Execution of radiation experiments in cancer cell lines and ex vivo models.
• Preparation of high-quality scientific manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals.
• Communication of findings through regular group meetings and international presentations.

Kenntnisse

Cell culture

RNA/DNA extraction

qPCR

Western blotting

Immunohistochemistry

Immunofluorescence

Extracellular vesicle isolation

Mouse models

RNAseq data analysis

Ausbildung

Master's degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, biophysics or related

Jobbeschreibung

Overview

DKFZ is one of Europe’s largest cancer research centers. “Research for a life without cancer” is the mission of our world-class scientists and all our team members.

DKFZ is a place where the brightest minds pursue bold ideas and seek answers to pioneering scientific questions through collaboration, innovation, and exploration across many disciplines. We provide a dynamic environment which empowers excellence with state-of-the-art technologies, cutting edge infrastructure, and a global scientific network.

Contribute your knowledge, vision, and dedication to create a space where scientific discovery in cancer research is transformed into benefits for human health.

Position

The Division of Biomedical Physics in Radiation Oncology is seeking a PhD Student for the Molecular Mechanisms of the Abscopal Effect in Pancreatic Cancer.

Reference number: 2025-0326

We are seeking a lab enthusiast as a PhD candidate to investigate how state-of-the-art radiation beams transform the tumor into an in-situ anticancer vaccine. Emphasis is given to the role of endogenous retroviruses and extracellular vesicles in the relevant mechanism. This is a third-party-funded multidisciplinary project that builds on our recent work (Stengl C, Med Phys. 2024; Genard GC J Extracell Biol. 2024; Logotheti S Cancers (Basel) 2023; Zhang T, Med Phys. 2023) and combines multiomics profiling (RNAseq, proteomics, and spatial omics), CRISPR-Cas9-based tools, RNA-focused methods, tumor-immune cell co-cultures, patient-derived organoids, and syngeneic mouse models. We collaborate with experts in Europe, hence some mobility at our partners' sites is envisaged.

Your Tasks

• Execution of radiation experiments (X-ray, proton, or heavy-ion) in cancer cell lines and ex vivo models (PDOs)
• In vitro experiments, including RNA-protein interactions (RNA-IPs), qPCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and FACS
• Tumor-immune cell cocultures
• Multi-omics profiling, in collaboration with our DKFZ and international partners
• Isolation and characterization of EV populations and high-throughput analysis of their cargos, in collaboration with European partners
• Communication of findings through regular group meetings, institutional seminars, scientific publications, and international presentations
• Preparation of high-quality scientific manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals

Your Profile

• Master's degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, biophysics, or a related biomedical field
• Hands-on experience in cellular and molecular biology techniques, such as cell culture, RNA/DNA extraction, qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA, FACS, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence
• Previous work experience with one of the following methods is highly appreciated:
  • RNA immunoprecipitation, ChIP or protein immunoprecipitation
  • Extracellular vesicle isolation
  • Co-culture or 3D culture systems
• Experience with mouse models and/or RNAseq data analysis is advantageous, but not a prerequisite
• A solution-driven mindset and a proactive, responsible, and independent attitude toward project development are desirable in this dynamic research environment
• Excellent communication in English, collaborative skills, and ability to work in international teams is required

We Offer

• Excellent framework conditions: state-of-the-art equipment and opportunities for international networking at the highest level
• Access to international research networks
• Doctoral salary with the usual social benefits
• 30 days of vacation per year
• Flexible working hours
• Possibility of part-time work
• Family-friendly working environment
• Sustainable travel to work: subsidized Germany job ticket
• Unleash your full potential: targeted training and mentoring through the DKFZ International PhD Program and DKFZ Career Service
• Our Corporate Health Management Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being

Contact

Dr. Francesca Pagliari
Phone: [phone]

The position is limited to 3 years with the possibility of prolongation.
Application Deadline: 09.01.2026

Applications by e-mail cannot be accepted.
Please also note that we cannot return applications submitted by post.

Are you interested?
Then become part of the DKFZ and join us in contributing to a life without cancer!

Apply

We are convinced that an innovative research and working environment thrives on the diversity of its employees. Therefore, we welcome applications from talented people, regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical ability, religion and age. People with severe disabilities are given preference if they have the same aptitude.

Notice: We are subject to the regulations of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG). Therefore, all our employees must provide proof of immunity against measles.

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