PhD Student in Cancer Biology

Reference number: 2026-0184

• Berlin
• Full-time
• DKTK partner site Berlin - Adaptive Glycan Remodeling in Cancer Progression

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 German Cancer Research Center has established the German Cancer Consortium (Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung, 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 joins forces at eight joint translation centers. The DKTK promotes interdisciplinary preclinical translational research topics to accelerate the transfer of results into new approaches for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer and to develop strategies for personalized oncology. The consortium supports the training of the next generation of medical and clinician scientists, operates state-of-the-art, highly specialized research infrastructures and technical platforms, and promotes the transfer of innovations to the economy and society.

For the Research Group "Adaptive Glycan Remodeling in Cancer Progression" (headed by Amulya Sreekumar) at the DKTK partner site Berlin, the DKFZ is seeking, starting in January 2027, a

  We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to investigate the mechanisms driving breast cancer progression. Approximately 30% of breast cancer patients who are disease-free after initial therapy ultimately develop local or metastatic recurrences seeded by therapy-evasive residual tumor cells. Such cells often exist in a dormant state and subsequently exit dormancy, thus giving rise to recurrences. We are interested in the molecular mechanisms that promote residual tumor cell persistence after therapy and their subsequent reactivation.
Building on our recent discovery that tumor cell-autonomous glycan biosynthesis supports dormant cell persistence, this project aims to identify therapeutic strategies that disrupt glycan-mediated signaling to eliminate residual tumor cells and prevent lethal recurrence. The work will integrate mechanistic molecular biology, functional genomics, and advanced cancer models to achieve this goal.

The successful candidate will join the DKFZ International PhD Program (https://www.dkfz.de/en/career/international-phd-program) and work in a collaborative environment spanning DKFZ and Charité/DKTK Berlin. This partnership provides access to cutting-edge core facilities, including high-content imaging, flow cytometry, and genomics technologies at both institutions.
Our laboratory is located within the Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Cancer Immunology at Charité-Campus Virchow Klinikum in Berlin.

Your Tasks

• Performing molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry experiments using human and murine breast cancer models 
• Working with genetically engineered mouse models and transplantable tumors
• Gaining problem-solving and analytical skills through active participation and training
• Integration and interpretation of data 
• Presenting research findings at national/international conferences
• Contributing to high-impact scientific publications

Your Profile

• Master's degree in biology, biochemistry, or a related life sciences discipline 
• Strong interest in cancer research and the molecular mechanisms underlying disease progression
• Practical experience in molecular biology
• Mammalian cell culture experience and an interest in working with mouse models are desirable 
• Collaborative, highly motivated working style with good attention to detail
• Excellent written and spoken English

WHAT MAKES THIS POSITION SPECIAL: 

• A fully funded PhD position within the DKFZ International PhD Program
• Close supervision and mentoring in an international research environment 
• Participate in collaborations with leading cancer research groups
• Hands-on experience using cutting-edge technologies, including CRISPR-based functional genomics, next-generation sequencing, imaging, and advanced disease models 
• Access to excellent core facilities at both DKFZ Heidelberg and Charité Berlin

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 limited to 3 years with the possibility of prolongation.

Application Deadline: September 16, 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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