Student Assistant (max. 37 hours/month; Minijob) - Translational Oncology/Immunotherapy/Genetic Engineering

Reference number: 2026-0204

• Heidelberg
• Marginal Employment
• Pediatric Immuno-Oncology

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.

For our Junior Research Group Pediatric Immuno-Oncology (led by Dr. Dr. Franziska Blaeschke) we are seeking, starting at the earliest date possible, a

  Our group uses advanced genetic engineering approaches and high-throughput CRISPR screens to improve CAR- and TCR-based immunotherapies. Although CAR T-cell therapy has achieved remarkable success in pediatric leukemia, it remains largely ineffective against most solid tumors. We aim to understand the factors underlying this difference in efficacy and to develop more effective CAR- and TCR-based therapies to treat pediatric malignancies.

The student assistant will support several of our laboratory research projects. Their work will focus primarily on cell culture, viral vector production (up to safety level S2), and molecular cloning. They will also assist with large-scale CRISPR screens, including technologies such as viral transduction, functional CAR T cell assays, cell sorting, library generation for next-generation sequencing, etc.

Your Tasks

• Virus production (e.g., lentivirus, retrovirus, AAV)
• Molecular cloning, maxipreps, and minipreps
• Routine tissue culture (thawing, expanding, counting, and freezing cell lines)
• Isolation and cultivation of primary human T cells
• Assisting in the establishment of new experimental protocols and the optimization of novel technologies
• Supporting large-scale CRISPR screens, including CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, viral transduction, AAV-based gene delivery, and functional assays (e.g., cytokine release, proliferation, and cytotoxicity)
• Assisting with the maintenance of the laboratory infrastructure (e.g., inventory management and general laboratory organization)
• Collaborating with postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, and technical staff

Your Profile

• Enrollment in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program for the entire duration of the position
• Availability to work on-site in our laboratory in Heidelberg one to three days per week, depending on experimental requirements; working hours can be arranged flexibly
• Previous general laboratory experience, including mammalian cell culture and sterile working techniques
• Availability on Tuesday afternoons from 12:00 onward is desirable but not essential
• Excellent communication skills and social competence
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken)
• High level of motivation, enthusiasm, and responsibility
• Careful, reliable, and independent working style

Please submit a motivation letter (1 page) and a CV in one single PDF.

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 1 year with the possibility of prolongation.

Application Deadline: October 15, 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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