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

Reference number: 2026-0158

• Heidelberg
• Marginal Employment
• Junior Research Group 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.

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

  Our research group was launched in March 2024 and 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).
The student assistant will support research projects focused on improving CAR T cell therapies for solid tumors. The work includes the application of cutting-edge gene editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR knock-in and knockout) and provides hands-on experience with a wide range of molecular biology, cell culture, and immunology techniques, including the isolation and culturing of primary human T cells, flow cytometry (FACS), and cytotoxicity assays.

Your Tasks

• Isolation and cultivation of primary human T cells
• Molecular cloning
• Supporting the maintenance of routine tissue culture
• 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

• Enrolled in a university program (Master’s level) for the duration of the position
• Previous experience in general laboratory work, including mammalian cell culture (thawing, passaging, and maintaining cell lines), is required. Experience with primary human cells and T cell isolation is an advantage but not mandatory.
• Availability on Tuesday afternoons (from 12pm onwards) is highly desirable, as primary human T cell isolations are typically performed during this time. Working hours on other days can be arranged flexibly.
• Excellent communication skills and social competence
• Good command of written and spoken English
• 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: August 18, 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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