PhD Candidate focusing on "Molecular resolution imaging of immunotherapy target receptors in multiple myeloma"
Reference number: 2026-0127
- Würzburg
- Full-time
- NCT WERA
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 National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) is a long-term cooperation between the DKFZ, excellent partners in university medicine and other research institutions at six locations in Germany. The goal of the NCT is to bring promising results from cancer research into clinical application quickly and safely. This approach is intended to provide cancer patients with nationwide access to innovative treatment options.
One of the six NCT sites is the NCT WERA, which is a collaboration between the DKFZ, the University Hospital Würzburg, the Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, the University Hospital Erlangen, the Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, the University Hospital Regensburg, the University of Regensburg, the University Hospital Augsburg and the University of Augsburg.
For the Cell Observatory lab (headed by Dr. Arindam Ghosh) at the NCT site WERA in Würzburg, the German Cancer Research Center is looking for a
The newly established Ghosh lab utilizes state-of-the-art fluorescence imaging modalities, namely single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM), lattice light-sheet microscopy (LLSM), and expansion microscopy (ExM), to study the (a) molecular binding mechanisms and dynamic interactions of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and target antigens on tumor cell membranes and (b) cell-cell interactions between chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) engineered T cells and tumor cells. The scientific aims and scope of the research group are cross-disciplinary, with core expertise in biophysics and cell biology and a clinical focus on hematological malignancies, in particular multiple myeloma (MM).
Key references:
1. Ghosh, Arindam, Mara Meub, Dominic A. Helmerich, Julia Weingart, Patrick Eiring, Thomas Nerreter, K. Martin Kortüm, Sören Doose, and Markus Sauer. "Decoding the molecular interplay of CD20 and therapeutic antibodies with fast volumetric nanoscopy." Science 387, no. 6730 (2025): eadq4510.
2. Riester, Zeno, Marlena Surowka, Nicole Seifert, Diana Darowski, Arindam Ghosh, Peter Spieler, Justus Weber et al. "Co-expression of an adapter CAR retains efficacy of CAR T cells after single and dual antigen loss in lymphoma." Molecular Therapy (2025).
Your Tasks
Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and CAR T cell-based immunotherapies are revolutionizing the treatment landscape in MM. Examples include, but are not limited to, monoclonal antibodies targeting CD38, bispecific antibodies targeting GPRC5D × CD3, and BCMA × CD3. Despite being in clinical use, the molecular binding mechanisms of antibodies and the target antigens remain elusive. The prospective doctoral candidate will be trained and is expected to design and implement advanced fluorescence imaging experimental workflows (SMLM and/or lightsheet and/or expansion microscopy) with the aim of discerning the intricate spatial organization of BCMA and GPRC5D antigens on MM cell membranes when treated with traditional and bispecific mAbs, with the final aim of understanding mechanisms of antigen escape in MM treatment.
Your Profile
- Master’s degree in biology, cell biology, cancer biology, biophysics, biotechnology, or molecular biology
- Background knowledge on emerging immunotherapies
- Knowledge and experience of cell culture, transfection, and immunostaining
- Knowledge and experience with basic fluorescence imaging
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
Experience with the following is a plus:
- Single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM)
- MATLAB/Python
Please apply with your CV, motivational letter, and certificates, as well as contact information for 2 referees.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview in late July/early August.
We Offer
Excellent framework conditions: state-of-the-art equipment and opportunities for international networking at the highest level
Access to international research networks
Doctoral salary with the usual social benefits
30 days of vacation per year
Flexible working hours
Possibility of mobile work and part-time work
Family-friendly working environment
Sustainable travel to work: subsidized Germany job ticket
Unleash your full potential: targeted training and mentoring through the DKFZ International PhD Program and DKFZ Career Service
Our Corporate Health Management Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being
Are you interested?
Then become part of the DKFZ and join us in contributing to a life without cancer!
Dr. Arindam Ghosh
Phone: +49(0)1637103196
Applications by e-mail cannot be accepted.
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.
