PhD Student (m/f/d)

PhD Student (m/f/d)

The University Hospital Essen offers first class medical services in the Ruhr metropolis. Every year, 225.000 patients are treated in 30 clinics, 2 7 institutes and specialized centers. The over 8.000 employees offer medical care with state -of-the art diagnostics and therapies, which meet highest international standards. Patient care is connected with basic and translational research at an internationally competitive level.

(pay grade: EG 13 TV-L)
Work Area: Institute for Experimental Tumour Therapy
Job ID: 13914
Start Date: Next possible date
Work Scope: Parttime (25,025 hours per week)
Contract Type: Temporary contract
Contract duration: 30. June 2030; in accordance with § 2 (2) WissZeitVG for the duration of the project

Your tasks:

Opportunity to conduct high-level interdisciplinary research within the newly established DFG-funded Collaborative Research Centre CRC/SFB 1752 “DYNAMO”, investigating the earliest mechanisms of therapy resistance in melanoma during the first days and weeks after therapy initiation:

• Work in Project B01
• Deciphering fibroblast heterogeneity and its implications for immune checkpoint inhibitor response in melanoma
• Investigation of fibroblasts, melanoma, and T cell interactions in the context of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) response and resistance in melanoma
• Multiplex imaging and spatial characterization of tumor–immune interactions
• Contribution to experimental design and execution of immune-oncology focused and in vitro and ex vivo functional assays
• Gene expression analyses (e.g. qPCR) and cytokine/chemokine profiling in tumor – immune interaction models
• Data analysis, interpretation, and integration of experimental results in collaboration with computational project partners
• Participation in presentation of scientific results at meetings and conferences

Your profile:

• Completed Diploma or Master degree in molecular biology or cancer biology, immunology, cell biology, bioinformatics, translational medicine or related disciplines
• Strong interest in melanoma biology, tumor immunology, immune checkpoint therapy, translational cancer research, and tumor–immune interactions
• Strong interest in multiplex/spatial imaging approaches (e.g. Phenocycler or related platforms)
• Experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques
• Experience with cell culture, cytokine profiling, flow cytometry and/or microscopy is desirable
• Experience with bioinformatics or biostatistics is advantageous
• Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams, specifically bridging melanoma biology and tumor immunology
• Ability to work closely with the second B01 project team and contribute to active scientific exchange
• High level of self-motivation, scientific curiosity, reliability, personal initiative, creativity, and team-oriented personality
• Enthusiasm for hands-on experimental and computational research and active contribution to a dynamic, international, and collaborative research environment
• Strong organizational skills, commitment, and the ability to drive projects forward independently
• Fluent in spoken and written English

Your application should include:

• Letter of motivation describing research interests and motivation for joining the project
• Curriculum vitae (CV) including publication list, if applicable
• Copies of academic certificates and transcripts
• Contact details of TWO academic referees or letters of recommendation

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 on tumor dynamics and immune modulation in melanoma
• Access to state-of-the-art technologies including spatial transcriptomics, multiplex imaging, cytokine/chemokine profiling, confocal microscopy and AI-supported data integration
• Networking & collaboration in the scientific community:
• Integration into an interdisciplinary, internationally visible cancer immunology 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’ (https://www.uni-due.de/biome/)
• Skill building: active participation in CRC events, lab rotations, hands-on workshops, and specialized training activities
• Work environment & infrastructure: Top-tier facilities: excellent institutional infrastructure located directly at the University Hospital Essen campus
• 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.

You will find detailed information on the job advertisement and contact person s behind the button - Apply now:
https://bewerbung-karriere.ume.de/Vacancies/13914/Application/CheckLogin/1