Ph D student in Translational Melanoma Research

Research Associate (PhD student) in Translational Melanoma Research (f/m/d)

Work Area: Clinic for Dermatology

Job ID: 13635

Pay Grade: EG 13 TV-L

Start Date: 01.10.2026

Work Scope: Part-time / 25,025 hours per week

Contract Type: Limited

Contract Duration: 36 Months; in accordance with § 2 Abs. 1 WissZeitVG for qualification goal promotion

Your tasks:

• Opportunity to conduct high-level interdisciplinary research within the newly established DFG-funded Collaborative Research Centre, investigating the earliest mechanisms of therapy resistance in melanoma during the first days and weeks after therapy initiation
• Work in Project B05 "Metabolic polarization of macrophages as early driver of therapy resistance in melanoma"
• Investigation of metabolic regulators of macrophages in melanoma
• Characterization of the role of SIRT1 in the anti-tumorigenic function of macrophages in melanoma cells using 2D, 3D melanoma culture systems as well as patient-derived melanoma models
• Application and refinement of multiplex IF imaging using PhenoCycler™
• Work on mouse experiments and longitudinal therapy response studies
• Close collaboration with other groups in the consortium to analyze and understand the complexity of the results (multi-omics profiling)
• Presentation of scientific results at meetings and conferences

Your profile:

• A completed Diploma or Master´s degree in molecular biology, cancer biology, biochemistry, cell biology, bioinformatics, translational medicine or comparable field of study
• Strong interest in melanoma & macrophage biology, 3D technologies
• Experience in cell culture, molecular and cellular biology techniques is a must
• Ability to work with mouse models is essential (training will be provided)
• Experience with molecular cloning, flow cytometry, and microscopy is desirable
• Experience with bioinformatics, or imaging approaches is advantageous
• Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams
• Highly motivated, creative and team-oriented personality
• Good communication skills and abilities for managing data and maintaining lab documentation
• Fluent in spoken and written English

Look forward to:

Cutting-edge research & technology innovative project:

• Participation in a newly established DFG-funded Collaborative Research Centre featuring a strong interdisciplinary translational focus
• Advanced methods: full access to state-of-the-art technologies, e.g., multiplex IF imaging using PhenoCycler™, spatial transcriptomic profiling, proteomic and metabolic LMD-LC/GC-MS/MS
• Technological scope: training in 3D models, in vivo work, flow cytometry, and AI-supported data integration

Networking & collaboration scientific community:

• Integration into an interdisciplinary, internationally visible cancer research network
• Diverse teams: daily interaction with professional colleagues across experimental, computational, and clinical research
• Exchange opportunities: excellent avenues for close scientific collaboration and external career development

Mentoring & career development:

• Structured guidance: continuous, high-quality mentoring tailored to your academic progression
• Enrollment into the Graduate School for Biomedical Science 'BIOME'
• Skill building: active participation in CRC events, lab rotations, hands-on workshops, and specialized training activities

• A secure job in the public service of the state of NRW
• Fair payment in accordance with the collective wage agreement (TV-L) incl. annual bonus payment and supplementary company pension scheme
• 30 days of vacation per calendar year (for a full-time position)
• Interdisciplinary work with colleagues from other departments
• Working with modern equipment and certified quality standards
• Family-friendly corporate culture, e.g. company daycare center, vacation program for school-age children, advice and support from the Employee Service Office in all life situations
• Wide range of training and continuing education opportunities, e.g. at the Training Academy of UK Essen
• Health management, e.g. company integration management, vaccinations, promotion of sports activities
• Attractive fringe benefits, e.g. reduced-price canteen meals, community events, accommodation in student residences

General conditions:

• The pay grade classification depends on the personal and collective legal prerequisites.
• The University Hospital Essen is an equal opportunity employer. Female scientists are particularly encouraged to apply.
• The participation in secondary employment depends on the „Hochschulnebentätigkeitsverordnung" of North-Rhine Westphalia.
• Disabled applicants will be preferentially considered in case of equivalent qualification.