PhD Student in Translational Research
Kennziffer: 2024-0301
- Heidelberg
- Full-time
- Research Group "Tumorvirus-specific Vaccination Strategies"
„Forschen für ein Leben ohne Krebs“ – das ist unsere Aufgabe am Deutschen Krebsforschungszentrum. Wir erforschen, wie Krebs entsteht, erfassen Krebsrisikofaktoren und suchen nach neuen Strategien, die verhindern, dass Menschen an Krebs erkranken. Wir entwickeln neue Methoden, mit denen Tumore präziser diagnostiziert und Krebspatient:innen erfolgreicher behandelt werden können. Jeder Beitrag zählt – ob in der Forschung, in der Administration oder der Infrastruktur. Das macht unsere tägliche Arbeit so bedeutungsvoll und spannend.
The Research Group "Tumorvirus-specific Vaccination Strategies" at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) is seeking a
The research group, led by Prof. Martin Müller, is inviting applications from highly qualified candidates for a PhD position in the project: "Antibody-Mediated Cellular Functions, Neutralization Activity, and B-Cell Responses Induced by an Anti-Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Targeting the Minor Capsid Protein L2." This project, funded by the German Cancer Aid, is part of an ongoing Phase I clinical trial investigating the prophylactic papillomavirus vaccine PANHPVAX. The aim of the PhD project is to explore the immune responses elicited in healthy volunteers following PANHPVAX vaccination.
Ihre Aufgaben:
The N-terminal region of the human papillomavirus (HPV) L2 protein has been shown to contain epitopes able to induce the production of neutralizing and cross-neutralizing antibodies. Using bacterial thioredoxin as a scaffold, we managed to significantly enhance the immunogenicity of putative L2 neutralizing epitopes. In the past years, we extensively optimized the prophylactic vaccine antigen and also determined its safety in an animal model.
We now entered into a clinical development phase and are starting a phase I clinical trial (EudraCT No.: 2021-002584-22). This trial should demonstrate safety and immunogenicity. Our vaccine is based on a single molecule, is highly thermostable and more importantly, induces protective responses against all oncogenic HPV as well as a number of so called ‘low risk’ HPV. Therefore, the vaccine has the potential to provide protection against HPV also in regions where the current HPV vaccines cannot be distributed, which applies to about two thirds of all countries.
This position offers exceptional development opportunities in the rapidly evolving field of translational medicine, with a focus on the design, execution, and oversight of pre-clinical studies. The DKFZ provides an outstanding research environment, with access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and comprehensive material cost funding.
Ihr Profil:
We are seeking highly motivated candidates with a master's degree in biochemistry, biology, or molecular medicine, and a strong background in immunology and/or molecular biology. The ideal candidate should be a team player with the ability to conduct independent research rigorously, while also embracing the collaborative spirit of our research group.
Unser Angebot:
- Hervorragende Rahmenbedingungen: modernste state-of-the-art Infrastruktur und Möglichkeit zum internationalen Austausch auf Spitzenniveau
- Zugang zu internationalen Forschungs-Netzwerken
- Doktorandengehalt mit den üblichen Sozialleistungen
- 30 Tage Urlaub
- Flexible Arbeitszeiten
- Möglichkeit zur Teilzeitarbeit
- Familienfreundliches Arbeitsumfeld
- Nachhaltig zur Arbeit: Vergünstigtes Deutschland-Jobticket
- Entfalten Sie Ihr volles Potenzial: gezieltes Training und Mentoring durch das DKFZ International PhD Program und den DKFZ Career Service
- Unser betriebliches Gesundheitsmanagement bietet ein ganzheitliches Angebot für Ihr Wohlbefinden
Sie sind interessiert?
Prof. Dr. Martin Müller
Telefon: +49 (0)6221/42-4628
