PhD Student in Cancer Biology and/or Bioinformatics

Reference number: 2026-0129

  • München
  • Full-time
  • DKTK partner site Munich - Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, TUM

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.


Together with selected university partner sites, the DKFZ has established the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK). The alliance between the DKFZ as the core center and the university partner sites in Berlin, Dresden, Essen/Düsseldorf, Frankfurt/Mainz, Freiburg, Heidelberg, Munich, and Tübingen operates joint translation centers at the University Medical Centers of each of the selected partner sites. The DKTK contributes significantly to filling the translational gap between basic and clinical cancer research, thereby developing new strategies for personalized oncology in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. DKTK conducts transformative translational cancer research, educates the next generation of translation-oriented medical and clinical scientists and establishes strong pipelines towards clinical cancer research and the economy.

For the Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics (https://www.translatum.tum.de/translatum/forschungsgruppen/rad-roland-experimentelle-krebsgenetik/) at the DKTK partner site Munich, we are seeking the earliest possible start date for a 

We study the molecular basis of cancer through an integrated approach spanning genomics, molecular biology and computational biology, thereby aiming to better understand how cancers arise, spread or resist to therapy.
See examples in: Nature 2018 Feb 1;554(7690):62, Cancer Cell. 2023 Jul 10;41(7):1327; Nature Methods. 2024 Apr;21(4):584. Nature. 2026 Feb 25. doi: 10.1038/s41586-026-10187-2.
By developing and applying genetic technologies for high-throughput applications in cells and mice, including CRISPR or transposon tools for massively parallel screening, we create and integrate multi-dimensional data to interrogate biological systems in their full complexity.
Our team brings together cancer biologists, molecular geneticists, bioinformaticians, and clinicians who collaborate closely in a creative, multidisciplinary environment.

 

Your Tasks

  • Non-coding RNA biology
  • Genomic technology development
  • Cell fate transitions in development and cancer
  • Molecular mechanisms of cancer metastasis
  • Computational large-scale data integration

Your Profile

  • Master’s degree in biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, molecular medicine, biotechnology, or systems biology
  • Strong background in molecular and cellular biology or computational biology
  • Fluency in English is required

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 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!

Contact:

Prof. Dr. Roland Rad
Phone: +49 (0)89 4140 4374

Duration: The position is initially limited to 3 years.
Application Deadline: 06.07.2026

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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