PhD Student – Quantitative Spatial Biology Research Group

Universitätsmedizin Frankfurt; Frankfurt; Vor Ort; EUR 40.000 - 50.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading medical research institution in Frankfurt is seeking a highly motivated PhD Student for the Quantitative Spatial Cancer Biology group. The successful candidate will investigate the interactions between tumor cells and their microenvironment, utilizing advanced single-cell technologies. Candidates require a Master's degree in life sciences and relevant laboratory experience. The role offers excellent mentoring and a dynamic research environment, along with opportunities for professional development and collaboration.

Leistungen

Participation in training programs

Free public transport in Hessen

Childcare facilities

Qualifikationen

• Experience in laboratory techniques relevant to cancer biology.
• Passion for discovery and strong communication skills.
• Valid proof of measles immunity/vaccination required.

Aufgaben

• Investigate drug interactions in cancer cell environments using single-cell technologies.
• Define key molecular alterations in the bone marrow in malignant conditions.

Kenntnisse

Lab techniques

Immunofluorescence staining

Flow cytometry

Image analysis

Bioinformatics

English proficiency

Ausbildung

Master’s degree in life sciences or biology

Jobbeschreibung

Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD Student to join our „Quantitative Spatial Cancer Biology" research group at the Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology and the Mildred Scheel Career Center (MSNZ) Frankfurt, an excellence program supporting careers in translational cancer research (funded by the German Cancer Aid). The lab, headed by Dr. Konstantinos Kokkaliaris, specializes in hematopoietic stem-cell biology and bone marrow tissue organization in health, aging and cancer. We use innovative single-cell protein profiling technologies including cutting-edge multiplex 3D tissue imaging, multicolor flow cytometry and mass cytometry. The focus of the lab is to better understand tissue organization in homeostasis, aging and disease as well as further develop multiplex tissue imaging modalities. We are looking for a candidate interested in deciphering the cross-talk mechanisms through which tumor cells interact and prime their local tissue microenvironment to favor disease progression at the expense of healthy tissue function, using single-cell technologies and in vivo models.

Further information on the lab can be found here: https://www.kokkaliarislab.com/.

Project description:

The project aims to define the key cellular, molecular and structural alterations in the bone marrow in malignant conditions. We will focus on targetable interactions between cancer cells and their spatial tumor microenvironment(s) to bypass cancer progression and metastasis, while enhancing healthy tissue function. Our goal is to leverage those findings towards the development of novel therapeutic intervention strategies for longer disease-free survival.

Relevant Publications:

Hofmann J. and Kokkaliaris KD. Bone marrow niches for hematopoietic stem cells: life span dynamics and adaptation to acute stress. Blood. 2020; 144 (1): 21–34.

Kokkaliaris KD and Scadden DT. Cell interactions in the bone marrow microenvironment affecting myeloid malignancies. Blood Advances. 4(15):3795-3803. (Cover story)

Kokkaliaris KD*, Kunz L, Cabezas-Wallscheid N, Christodoulou C, Renders S, Camargo F, Trumpp A, Scadden DT, Schroeder T*. Adult blood stem cell localization reflects the abundance of reported bone marrow niche cell types and their combinations. Blood. 2020; 136(20):2296-2307. *co-corresponding authors (Cover story)

Coutu D+, Kokkaliaris KD+, Kunz L+, Schroeder T. Multicolor quantitative confocal imaging cytometry. Nature Methods, 2018; 15: 39-46. +co-first authors

Coutu D+, Kokkaliaris KD+, Kunz L, Schroeder T. Three-dimensional map of nonhematopoietic bone and bone-marrow cells and molecules. Nature Biotechnology, 2017; 35(12):1202-1210. +co-first authors (Cover story)

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in life sciences, biology or equivalent
• Experience in basic laboratory techniques (i.e. molecular biology)
• Passion for discovery, collaborative spirit & good communication skills
• Previous experience in immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry and imaging is a plus
• Basic experience in image analysis and/or bioinformatics is a plus
• FELASA accreditation or previous experience with animal models is a plus
• Proficiency in spoken and written English
• Due to legal regulations, valid proof of measles immunity / measles vaccination is required

Offer and Work Environment

• Scientific Environment: Excellent scientific environment & dedicated mentoring, training on cutting-edge single-cell technologies
• Training: Participation in training and qualification programs of the MSNZ and the Goethe university
• Collaboration: Collaboration opportunities with national & international expert laboratories
• Campus: Attractive university hospital campus offers modern cafeterias, and opportunities to rest in numerous green spaces. A walk on Main riverside offers relaxation during breaks
• Collective agreement: The position (65% - E 13) is initially limited for 3 years with the possibility for extension
• Mobility: Free public transport in all Hessen (Free State Ticket Hessen)
• Work-Life-Balance: Part-time employment is possible, we offer childcare in our daycare center, child care during holidays
• Health Promotion: Benefit from attractive health offers and regular online and face-to-face courses on nutrition, relaxation, sports and exercise
• Insights and FAQ resources for new employees

Application

Contact: Dr. Konstantinos Kokkaliaris
Email: [e-mail]
Twitter/X: @kd_kokkaliaris
Application Deadline: 17.11.2025

We welcome applications from candidates of all genders. Women are currently underrepresented in these positions at Universitätsmedizin Frankfurt. Therefore, applications from women are especially encouraged. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration in cases of equal personal and professional qualifications.