Technician – In Vivo Models/Immunotherapy/Genetic Engineering

Reference number: 2025-0114

• Heidelberg
• Full-time
• Pediatric Immuno-Oncology

“Research for a life without cancer" is our mission at the German Cancer Research Center. We investigate how cancer develops, identify cancer risk factors and look 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 Department Pediatric Immuno-Oncology is looking for as soon as possible a 

  We are looking for a highly motivated technician to join our growing Junior Research Group of Pediatric Neuro-Immuno-Oncology led by Franziska Blaeschke. Our research group uses advanced genetic engineering to improve immunotherapy of solid tumors. While treatment with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells has shown great success in pediatric leukemia, CAR T cells are still inefficient in most solid tumors. We have recently pioneered the use of CRISPR-based modular pooled knockin screens to study which (synthetic or natural) gene products can be overexpressed in primary human T cells to enhance the efficacy and fitness of CARs (Blaeschke et al., Cell, 2023).

Your Tasks

The technician will play a key role in conducting and advancing in vivo studies, utilizing cutting-edge gene editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR knockin, knockout, CRISPRa, base editing, prime editing) to investigate CAR T cell interactions with tumor cells and enhance their efficacy in solid tumors. The position will primarily focus on in vivo experiments using different mouse models, while also integrating in vitro methodologies. Additionally, the technician will contribute to maintaining the lab’s infrastructure (inventory, ordering, etc.) and closely collaborate with postdoctoral researchers and students.

Your responsibilities:

• Performing in vivo studies using xenograft and syngeneic mouse models, including tumor implantation, CAR T cell injections, tissue collection, and downstream analysis
• Conducting in vitro and ex vivo assays related to immunotherapy, such as cell culture, functional assays (e.g., cytokine release, proliferation, cytotoxicity), and flow cytometry
• Supporting genetic engineering approaches, including cloning, CRISPR/Cas9 modifications, and viral transduction
• Developing and optimizing experimental protocols for in vivo studies
• Ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with animal welfare regulations
• Assisting in maintaining the lab’s infrastructure (e.g., inventory, ordering, organization)
• Collaborating with postdoctoral researchers, students, and other technicians.

Your Profile

• Qualification as BTA (Biological Technical Assistant), MTA (Medical Technical Assistant), or biological laboratory technician (Biologielaborant:in) (m/f/d)
• Excellent communication skills and social competence
• Team player who is motivated to closely work with postdocs, students and other technicians within the lab and beyond
• Willingness to perform in vivo studies
• Strong experience in handling laboratory animals and conducting in vivo procedures is an advantage
• Previous experience in cloning, CRISPR/Cas gene engineering, viral transduction, CAR T cells and primary cell culture is helpful but not mandatory
• Proficiency in English and German (written and spoken)
• High level of enthusiasm, motivation and responsibility
• Effective time management and organizational skills

Please submit a motivation letter (1 page), a CV and two letters of recommendation in one single pdf.

If you would like to apply part-time, please state in your letter of motivation the percentage of time you will be working part-time. 

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 with the possibility of prolongation.

Application Deadline: 08.05.2025

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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