Research Associate (Ph D student) in Translational Melanoma Research

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

Pay Grade: EG 13 TV-L

Work Area: Clinic for Dermatology

Job ID: 13614

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 A01 "Modelling the molecular determinants of intrinsic drug resistance in melanoma"
• Investigation of metabolic regulators of macrophages in melanoma
• Characterization of plasma membrane lipid composition and drug permeability in melanoma persister cells
• Establishment and application of 2D and 3D melanoma culture systems as well as patient-derived melanoma models
• CRISPR/Cas9-based genetic engineering and lineage tracing approaches
• Lipidomics-, transcriptomics-, and imaging-based analyses of melanoma persister states
• Analysis of MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways during early therapy adaptation
• Participation in xenograft mouse experiments and longitudinal therapy response studies
• Analysis and interpretation of multi-omics datasets in collaboration with computational project partners
• Presentation of scientific results at meetings and conferences

Your Profile

• A completed Diploma or Master's degree in molecular biology or cancer biology, biochemistry, cell biology, bioinformatics, translational medicine or comparable field of study
• Strong interest in melanoma biology, therapy resistance, translational cancer research, multi-omics technologies and lipid metabolism
• Experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques
• Experience with cell culture, molecular cloning, flow cytometry and/or microscopy is desirable
• Experience with bioinformatics, mass spectrometry, imaging approaches or mouse models is advantageous
• Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams, specifically bridging melanoma biology and lipidomics
• Highly motivated, creative and team-oriented personality
• Fluent in spoken and written English

What We Offer

• Cutting-edge research and technology innovative project: Participation in a newly established DFG-funded Collaborative Research Centre featuring a strong interdisciplinary translational focus; Advanced methods with full access to state-of-the-art technologies, e.g., multiplex IF imaging using PhenoCyclerTM, spatial transcriptomic profiling, proteomic and metabolic LMD-LC/GC-MS/MS; Technological scope including training in 3D models, in vivo work, flow cytometry, and AI-supported data integration
• Networking and collaboration scientific community: Integration into an interdisciplinary, internationally visible cancer research network; Diverse teams with daily interaction with professional colleagues across experimental, computational, and clinical research; Exchange opportunities for close scientific collaboration and external career development
• Mentoring and career development: Structured guidance with continuous, high-quality mentoring tailored to your academic progression; Enrollment into the Graduate School for Biomedical Science 'BIOME'; Skill building through 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) including 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

Contact and Application

You will find detailed information on the job advertisement and contact persons at: https://bewerbung-karriere.ume.de/Vacancies/13614/Application/CheckLogin/1

Your data will be used exclusively for application purposes in accordance with the applicable data protection regulations. Further information can be found in the privacy statement at: www.uk-essen.de