Doctoral Researcher - CAR T Cell Therapy Development
Kennziffer: 2026-0131
- Heidelberg
- Full-time
- Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Applied Tumor Immunity
Das Deutsche Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ) ist eines der größten Krebsforschungszentren Europas. „Forschen für ein Leben ohne Krebs“ ist unsere Mission und hierfür arbeiten unsere Weltklassewissenschaftler:innen gemeinsam mit allen Mitarbeitenden.
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 Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) Applied Tumor Immunity is seeking, as of September 2026, a
The immune system influences the efficacy of many therapies and interventions. Thus, the identification of crucial immunological parameters, such as novel biomarkers, is of great importance. The aim of the CCU Applied Tumor Immunity is the characterization of immune responses directed against the tumor and the transfer of these findings into clinical applications. A particular focus of our research is the analysis of immunological interactions between tumor cells and host or immune cells in the tumor microenvironment and periphery to identify predictive biomarkers and develop novel immunotherapeutic approaches for solid tumors (e.g., TCR T cells, CAR T cells, bispecific antibodies and peptide vaccines).
We are seeking a highly motivated and result-oriented PhD candidate to join our dynamic research team working on a DKFZ-MOST (Israel’s Ministry of Science and Technology) funded project focused on immune engineering of T cells. The successful candidate will generate CAR T cells directed against the breast cancer antigen NY-BR-1 by an innovative approach using site-directed DNA recombinases. We aim to identify and validate key factors in cellular composition and DNA recombination tools to manufacture a superior CAR-T product that will be ready to enter the clinical trial stage.
Ihre Aufgaben:
Key Responsibilities:
- Design and conduct experiments, data collection, and data analysis
- Collaborate with other team members and our partners at the Tel Aviv University in Israel to contribute to ongoing research efforts
- Conduct comprehensive literature reviews to gain an in-depth understanding of the research area and identify knowledge gaps.
- Assist in writing research reports, conference abstracts, and scientific papers
- Attend and present research findings at (inter)institutional research seminars, consortium meetings and international conferences to disseminate research outcomes and interact with the scientific community
Anticipated tasks for the project:
- Acquisition and cultivation of naïve T cells from various sources, e.g., cord blood
- Analyze genomic integration sites of lentiviral systems compared to VDJ recombinant techniques and determine novel loci
- Perform in vitro studies using primary T cell culture in autologous tumor settings, as well as in vivo experiments employing state-of-the-art preclinical systems
Ihr Profil:
- Master's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field, such as cancer biology, immunology, biotechnology biomedical engineering, or related disciplines
- Fulfil all academic requirements set by the DKFZ PhD Program, please refer to: Admission Requirements of DKFZ PhD Program
- Strong background in molecular and cellular biology techniques, including high-dimensional flow cytometry, cloning techniques, gene knockouts and cell culture
- Experience in non-viral DNA recombination is highly desirable
- Excellent communication and organizational skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- Experience in animal experimentation is a plus
- Enthusiasm for onco-immunology and immune-engineering and the drive to contribute to scientific advancements.
The project is part of a high-profile collaboration which is jointly funded by the DKFZ and Israel’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST). It therefore, provides access to cutting-edge technologies, enables learning in a multi-cultural environment and opens exceptional opportunities for training and career development.
Interested candidates should submit a CV, cover letter, academic transcripts via the online application portal.
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?
Ulrich Müller
Telefon: +49 6221 56 32841
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