2 Research Technicians

Reference number: 2025-0250

• Heidelberg
• Full-time
• Microbiome and Cancer

“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.

To strengthen the Research Division "Microbiome and Cancer", we are seeking for the next possible date

  The impact of the intestinal microbiota on health and disease has become increasingly clear in the last decade, and microbial imbalances are considered highly relevant for a variety of diseases including autoimmunity, metabolic disorders and cancer.
The vast majority of cancers are not caused by germline mutations, but rather by acquired somatic mutations and environmental factors. The microbiome has emerged as one such environmental factor, shedding light on previously unexpected mechanistic connections between microbial colonization and neoplastic transformation. For instance, selected commensals can colonize solid tumors, and the 'tumor microbiome' can influence the local immune milieu essential for anti-tumor immunity or malignant transformation. The efficacy of anti-cancer treatment is also influenced by the intestinal microbiome and its metabolite, especially in the cancer treatment areas such as immune checkpoint blockade or CAR-T cell therapy.

The Research Division "Microbiome and Cancer", a bridging division between DKFZ Heidelberg and the Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel, headed by Professor Eran Elinav, studies the cross-talk between cancer cells, immune cells, microbial colonization, and other environmental factors. We investigate how individual bacteria, microbial consortia or microbial perturbations through diets or xenobiotics interplay with metabolic disruption and chronic inflammatory responses to impact carcinogenesis or metastasis in a variety of preclinical models. We also study the longitudinal cross-talk of cancer therapies with the gut microbiota in patients and in mouse models to investigate causal relations, e.g. by direct bacterium-host cell interactions or via microbial metabolites.

We use well-established, cutting-edge wet-lab techniques combined with bioinformatic tools to sequence and analyse the microbiota in diverse cancer-related contexts. We cover the whole range of microbiome analyses, from bacteria to fungi, both with high-resolution metagenome sequencing techniques. This approach is combined with multi-omics characterization of the host’s immune system on the level of individual cells by single-cell RNA sequencing and proteome or metabolome analyses. In order to transfer this knowledge back into the clinic for the benefit of patients, we perform precision medicine-based clinical studies with patient microbiota interventions using specific dietary modifications or microbiota transfers.

Your Tasks

We are looking for two qualified and motivated research technicians (BTA, MTA, Biologielaborant:in or similar) to support in vivo and in vitro experiments on several projects focused on the role of the microbiome in cancer development and progression. The candidates will be trained in and responsible for the generation and maintenance of next-generation patient-derived in vitro culture models, including organoids and isolated bacterial strains. The candidates will furthermore take care of research animals following standard operating procedures and according to animal welfare regulations. Additionally, the candidates will learn and apply a variety of laboratory techniques, such as DNA/RNA isolation and purification, protein extraction, genotyping by PCR, sample preparation for downstream analyses, and flow cytometry.

Tasks/responsibilities will include:

• Generation and maintenance of human tumor organoid lines
• Derivation of patient-specific bacterial strains
• Support of standard laboratory techniques, including DNA/RNA isolation and FACS
• Collecting, handling/processing, and storing of biological samples (e.g., patient feces, blood, tissue) according to standard protocols
• Regular monitoring of animal health and data recording (such as animal weight, behavior, vital signs, tumor growth)
• Performing basic procedures on animals (including weighing, oral gavaging, injections, dissection)
• Operating sensitive equipment to analyze samples or substances, conducting tests and reporting results
• Recording and analyzing data

The ideal candidates will have previous experience of working with in vivo animal models, and will be passionate about contributing to cutting edge translational research projects. After a thorough training by our scientific staff members, the candidate should be able to implement a variety of laboratory techniques using standard protocols.

Your Profile

Required:

• Education/training as lab technician or technical assistant (BTA, MTA, Biologielaborant) or comparable, e.g. an undergraduate (BSc) degree in laboratory sciences, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, or a related field from an accredited university or technical school
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Reliability and flexibility
• Structured, independent, and careful way of working
• Written and oral communication skills (English)

 
Advantageous:

• FELASA function A certificate (former FELASA B certificate)
• Proven working experience with animal models
• Hands-on working experience with cell-culture (maintaining cell lines, establishing primary cell cultures) and/or molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA isolation, PCR) would be an advantage
• Written and oral communication skills (German)

We Offer

Are you interested?

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

 ​Duration: The positions are initially limited until 31.01.2027. An extension is possible.

Application Deadline: 01.10.2025

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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