Technical Assistant in T Cell Engineering and Molecular Biology

Reference number: 2026-0181

• Heidelberg
• Full-time
• Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology

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.

We investigate how cancer develops, identify cancer risk factors and search for new cancer prevention strategies. We develop new methods with which tumors can be diagnosed more precisely and cancer patients can be treated more successfully. Every contribution counts – whether in research, administration or infrastructure. This is what makes our daily work so meaningful and exciting.

The Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology (Head: Professor Michael Platten) develops personalized T cell therapies for solid tumors. Our work combines the identification and validation of tumor-reactive T cell receptors, high-throughput molecular cloning and vector engineering, and functional testing of engineered T cells in cellular model systems. We translate these findings into clinically applicable therapeutic candidates together with our clinical and industry partners.

To strengthen our team, we are seeking, as of October 2026, a

Your Tasks

• Laboratory management, ordering consumables, onboarding new colleagues, coordinating repairs, annual inventory, etc.
• Molecular cloning, including site-directed mutagenesis of plasmids and Golden Gate assembly
• Generation and sequence verification of expression constructs; bacterial transformation, plasmid preparation, and maintenance of the plasmid and glycerol stock collection
• Maintenance of cell lines (e.g., Jurkat and derivatives)
• Transfection and electroporation of cell lines and primary cells; production and titration of lentiviral/retroviral vectors and transduction of target cells
• Isolation of PBMCs from whole blood and leukapheresis material; activation, expansion, and cryopreservation of primary human T cells, including rapid expansion protocols (REP)
• Documentation of work in accordance with genetic engineering (GenTG/S1–S2) and biosafety requirements
• Supervising students and apprentices

Your Profile

• Completed training as a biological, medical, or chemical technical assistant (BTA/MTA/CTA), a bachelor's degree in a life science subject, or comparable knowledge and experience
• Prerequisites:
• Solid practical experience in molecular cloning
• Experience in sterile mammalian cell culture, ideally also primary cell culture
• Previous experience in an immunology or immunotherapy laboratory is advantageous, e.g., PBMC isolation, REP, Jurkat cell culture, transfection/transduction, FACS, or previous experience with the generation and sequencing of NGS libraries
• Willingness to work with primary human material (blood and tissue samples)
• Careful and complete documentation of experiments, ideally using an electronic lab notebook
• Strong English skills
• Precision, commitment, teamwork, and flexibility regarding tasks and approaches, as well as strong coordination and organizational skills

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 2 years.

Application Deadline: September 3, 2026

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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