PhD Student - Immunotherapy/Optical CRISPR Screens/Spatial Transcriptomics

dkfz. Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum; Heidelberg; Hybrid; EUR 36.000 - 48.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

International research networks

Part-time option

Family-friendly environment

Germany job ticket subsidy

Training & mentoring

Zusammenfassung

The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg invites applications for a PhD Student in Immunotherapy/Optical CRISPR Screens/Spatial Transcriptomics. The project focuses on identifying elite anti-tumor T cells using advanced genetic engineering, high‑throughput CRISPR screens, and spatial omics.

You will work across in vitro and in vivo models in collaboration with leading groups. Starting January 2027, the position offers a rich, international research environment with state‑of‑the‑art

Qualifikationen

• Completed studies with a diploma or master's degree in biology, bioengineering, biomedical science, biochemistry, bioinformatics, or other relevant fields.
• Previous coding experience and/or single-cell or spatial transcriptomics/proteomics is preferred.
• Excellent communication skills and social competence.
• Team player motivated to collaborate within the institute and beyond.
• Strong laboratory and writing skills.
• Willingness to lead and perform in vivo studies.
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken).
• High enthusiasm, motivation and responsibility.
• Interest in planning, conducting and analyzing experiments systematically and independently.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.

Aufgaben

• Establishing new experimental protocols and optimizing technologies (e.g., NIS-seq, spatial CRISPR screens).
• Working on computational approaches to read out CRISPR screens, imaging and sequencing data (e.g., spatial transcriptomics/proteomics).
• Designing and performing complex experiments involving multiple methods (e.g., cloning, CRISPR/Cas9, viral transduction, AAV generation, flow cytometry, microfluidics, sequencing, microscopy, xenograft and syngeneic models, primary cell culture, cytokine release, proliferation, cytotoxicity assays).
• Staying up to date with scientific literature.
• Presenting research within the group, DKFZ/KiTZ and externally.
• Preparing grants, patents, and publications.

Kenntnisse

Excellent communication

Team player

Written & spoken English

Time management

Independent planning

Ausbildung

Diploma or Master's degree in biology or related field

Jobbeschreibung

PhD Student - Immunotherapy/Optical CRISPR Screens/Spatial Transcriptomics

The German Cancer Research Center (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.

The 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.

For our Junior Research GroupPediatric Immuno-Oncology (led by Dr. Dr. Franziska Blaeschke) we are seeking, starting in January 2027, a

Your group uses advanced genetic engineering and high-throughput CRISPR screens to improve CAR- and TCR-based immunotherapies. This project explores how highly effective anti-tumor immune cells can be identified and enhanced to better fight cancer. By combining functional screening (e.g., genome-wide CRISPR screens), cutting-edge cell engineering (e.g., AAV-based knockins, base editing), and innovative imaging and sequencing technologies (e.g., NIS-seq, spatial transcriptomics/proteomics), we aim to uncover key features of the most powerful anti-tumor T cells (“elite” immune cells) and translate these insights into next-generation immunotherapies.
The work will include a large variety of experimental methods and models (in vitro and in vivo), in close collaboration with the groups of Prof. Dr. Adelheid Cerwenka (Department of Immunobiochemistry, Medical Faculty Mannheim of Heidelberg University), Prof. Dr. Joachim Spatz (Department of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute), Prof. Dr. Nina Papavasiliou (Division of Immune Diversity, DKFZ), Prof. Dr. Michael Platten (Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology at DKFZ and Department of Neurology at the University Medical Center Mannheim), and Dr. Vibor Laketa (Infectious Diseases Imaging Platform, UKHD). Together, the project seeks to define and build next-generation immune cells with enhanced therapeutic potential.

Your Tasks

• Establishing new experimental protocols and optimizing technologies (e.g., NIS-seq, spatial CRISPR screens)
• Working on computational approaches to read out CRISPR screens, imaging and sequencing data (e.g., spatial transcriptomics/proteomics)
• Designing and performing complex experiments involving a large number of methods (e.g., cloning, CRISPR/Cas9, viral transduction, AAV generation, flow cytometry, microfluidics systems, next-generation sequencing, microscopy, xenograft and syngeneic models, primary cell culture, functional analyses such as cytokine release, proliferation, cytotoxicity assays etc.)
• Staying up to date with scientific literature
• Presenting your research on a regular basis within the group, the DKFZ/KiTZ and externally
• Preparing grants, patents, and publications

Your Profile

• Completed studies with a diploma or master's degree in biology, bioengineering, biomedical science, biochemistry, bioinformatics, or other relevant fields
• Previous experience in coding and single-cell or spatial transcriptomics/proteomics is preferred
• Excellent communication skills and social competence
• Team player who is motivated to closely work with collaboration partners within the institute and beyond
• Strong laboratory and writing skills
• Willingness to lead and perform in vivo studies
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken)
• High level of enthusiasm, motivation, and responsibility
• Deep interest in planning, conducting, and analyzing experiments in a systematic and independent way
• Effective time management and organizational skills

We Offer

• Access to international research networks
• 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.FranziskaBlaeschke
Phone:[phone]

Duration:

The position is initially limited to 3 years.

Application Deadline:

October 15, 2026

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.