PhD Student in Cancer Immunotherapy and Tumor Microenvironment Reprogramming
Kennziffer: 2025-0233
- Mainz
- Full-time
- HI-TRON Mainz - mRNA Cancer Immunotherapies
„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 Helmholtz Institute HI-TRON in Mainz is a collaboration of the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) with the Johannes Gutenberg-University (JGU), the University Medicine Mainz (UM Mainz) and the non-profit TRON gGmbH (TRON). The aim of the partnership is to develop pioneering immunotherapies and identify new biomarkers for the effectiveness of the treatment.
The Division "mRNA Cancer Immunotherapies" at HI-TRON Mainz headed by Prof. Dr. Uğur Şahin focuses on improving cancer immunotherapies by addressing resistance mechanisms and limited patient responses. We integrate multi-omics data to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets, and develop mRNA-based strategies to enhance anti-tumor immunity. Our work combines RNA-lipid nanoparticle delivery, advanced immune profiling, and physiologically relevant tumor models to accelerate translation from bench to bedside.
To strengthen our international scientific team, we are seeking for the next possible date a highly motivated and enthusiastic
Project Description:
The project aims to manipulate the immune landscape of tumors by delivering targeted mRNA combinations to specific cell populations within the tumor microenvironment (TME), with the goal of enhancing immune activation and overcoming immunosuppressive barriers.
Your tasks:
- Design and execute combinatorial mRNA delivery strategies targeting immune, stromal and cancer components of the TME
- Employ RNA-lipid nanoparticle systems for spatially controlled gene expression
- Conduct deep phenotyping of cells in tissues using high-parameter flow cytometry and multiplex 3D imaging
- Use advanced in vitro and ex vivo tumor models to validate therapeutic efficacy
- Collaborate closely with experimental and clinical colleagues from Mainz and Heidelberg
- Present findings in internal meetings and scientific conferences, and contribute to manuscript preparation
Your Profile:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in immunology, molecular biology, biotechnology, bioengineering, or a related field
- Strong interest in cancer immunotherapy, RNA therapeutics, and tumor immunology
- Hands-on experience in molecular biology techniques, cell culture and flow cytometry
- Experience in RNA handling and nanoparticle formulation is a plus
- Prior knowledge of immunological methods (ELISA, ELISpot, IHC/IF staining) and microscopy is desirable
- Willingness to work with blood and tissue samples, and animal models
- Motivation to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and translational research environment
- Good communication skills in English (spoken and written)
- Strong analytical mindset, organizational skills, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team
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?
