PhD Student in the field of Tumor Immunology and Gut Microbiome

Reference number: 2025-0300

• Heidelberg
• Full-time
• Clinical Cooperation Unit "Applied Tumor Immunity" - Translational Research in Immuno-oncology and Microbiome (TRIM)

The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) is one of Europe’s largest cancer research centers. “Research for a life without cancer" is the mission of our world-class scientists and all our team members.

The DKFZ is a place where the brightest minds pursue bold ideas and seek answers to pioneering scientific questions through collaboration, innovation, and exploration across many disciplines. We provide a dynamic environment which empowers excellence with state-of-the-art technologies, cutting edge infrastructure, and a global scientific network. 

Contribute your knowledge, vision, and dedication to create a space where scientific discovery in cancer research is transformed into benefits for human health.

The Clinical Cooperation Unit "Applied Tumor Immunity" is seeking for its Research Group "Translational Research in Immuno-oncology and Microbiome (TRIM)" for the next possible date a

  Immunotherapy has led to a paradigm change in systemic tumor therapy. Many patients now benefit from improved survival and sometimes cure. However, there is an urgent need to further improve immunotherapy, as a majority of patients will progress despite treatment. Recent preclinical, translational, and clinical studies demonstrate that the patient's (gut) microbiome is a major determinant of response to immunotherapy and highlight the potential of microbiome intervention in immuno-oncology.

In our team, we actively integrate translational data, functional assays and preclinical models, to understand and overcome mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapy and chemotherapy, with a focus on gut-related subversion of anti-tumor immunity. By leveraging this knowledge, we aim to find biomarkers, patient stratification, and innovative treatment combinations.

Our research group is embedded in a multidisciplinary team with close connection to the clinic and a bioinformatics team.

Your Tasks

We are seeking a highly motivated and result-oriented PhD candidate to join our dynamic research team working on a cutting-edge project focused on investigating how gut microbiota influence resistance to immunotherapy and chemotherapy in colorectal cancer. The successful candidate will be an integral part of a multidisciplinary effort aimed at identifying microbial-derived factors that modulate tumor immunogenicity. We aim to identify and validate novel therapeutic targets and combination strategies to overcome microbiome-driven immune suppression in colorectal cancer.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and conduct experiments, data collection, and data analysis
• Collaborate with other team members 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 institutional research seminars, consortium meetings, and international conferences, and present research findings to disseminate research outcomes and interact with the scientific community

Anticipated tasks for the project:

• Integrate multi-omics datasets (including metabolomics, high-dimensional flow cytometry, and multiplex imaging) to identify key molecular and cellular mechanisms in colorectal cancer (CRC)
• Conduct high-throughput in vitro screening using 2D cell culture systems representing distinct molecular subtypes of CRC, and assess expression profiles via flow cytometry
• Perform in vitro studies using mouse- and patient-derived organoid models, as well as in vivo experiments employing state-of-the-art preclinical systems

Your Profile

• Master's degree in a relevant field, such as cancer biology, immunology, microbiology and infection biology, or related disciplines
• Fulfil all academic requirements set by the DKFZ PhD Program
• Strong background in molecular and cellular biology techniques, including high-dimensional flow cytometry, gene expression analysis, cell culture (2D and 3D), and microbiology
• Experience in metabolomics and data analysis 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 microbiome research and the drive to contribute to scientific advancements

The project is part of a high-profile international consortium, providing access to cutting-edge technologies, cross-disciplinary expertise, and exceptional opportunities for training and career development.

More information: www.genomicc.de

Interested candidates should submit a CV, cover letter, academic transcripts, and contact details of two references via the online application portal.

We Offer

Are you interested?

 Then become part of the DKFZ and join us in contributing to a life without cancer!

 ​Duration: The position is initially limited to 3 years.

Application Deadline: 19.12.2025

Applications by e-mail cannot be accepted.

Please also note that we cannot return applications submitted by post.

 

We are convinced that an innovative research and working environment thrives on the diversity of its employees. Therefore, we welcome applications from talented people, regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical ability, religion and age. People with severe disabilities are given preference if they have the same aptitude.

Notice: We are subject to the regulations of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG). Therefore, all our employees must provide proof of immunity against measles.

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