PhD Student - Translational Oncology / Immunotherapy / Genetic Engineering
Kennziffer: 2025-0019
- Heidelberg
- Full-time
- Junior Research Group "Pediatric Immuno-Oncology"
„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.
We are seeking for our growing Junior Research Group "Pediatric Immuno-Oncology" a highly motivated
The research group, led by Franziska Blaeschke, was launched in March 2024 and uses advanced genetic engineering to improve immunotherapy of solid tumors. While treatment with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells has shown great success in pediatric leukemia, CAR T cells are still inefficient in most solid tumors. We have recently pioneered the use of CRISPR-based Modular Pooled Knockin Screens to study which (synthetic or natural) gene products can be overexpressed in primary human T cells to enhance the efficacy and fitness of CARs (Blaeschke et al., Cell, 2023). The PhD student will use and advance cutting-edge technologies in the field of gene editing (e.g., CRISPR knockin, knockout, CRISPRa, base editing, prime editing) to study the interactions of CAR T cells with tumor cells and improve T cell efficacy in the context of solid tumors. The position will include a large variety of experimental methods and models, both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the doctoral researcher will closely collaborate with other experts in the field, especially with the Shifrut Lab at Tel Aviv University as this PhD project is funded by the DKFZ-MOST cooperative research program.
Ihre Aufgaben:
- Establishing new experimental protocols and optimizing novel technologies (e.g., prime editing)
- Setting up computational approaches to design gRNA libraries and read out large CRISPR screens
- Designing and performing complex experiments involving a large number of methods (e.g., cloning, CRISPR/Cas9, viral transduction, AAVs, flow cytometry, next-generation sequencing, xenograft and syngeneic in vivo models, primary cell culture, functional analyses such as cytokine release, proliferation, cytotoxicity, 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
Ihr Profil:
- Completed studies with diploma or master's degree in biology, bioengineering, biochemistry or other relevant fields
- Excellent communication skills and social competence
- Proficiency in English (written and spoken)
- Previous experience in coding (e.g., RStudio)
- 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
- Previous experience in CRISPR/Cas technology development, CAR T cells, primary cell culture and in vivo models is helpful but not mandatory
- 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
Please submit a motivation letter (1-2 pages) and a CV (including a publication list and contact information of two references) in one single PDF.
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?
Dr. Franziska Blaeschke
Telefon: +49 (0)6221/42-2965
