Doctoral Researcher (m-f-d) at the Faculty of Medicine, Department and Outpatient Clinic of Internal Medicine IV

Doctoral Researcher (m-f-d)

The Faculty of Medicine at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg invites applications for the following position at the University Department and Outpatient Clinic of Internal Medicine IV:

Doctoral Researcher (m-f-d)

The part-time position (65%) is available for a fixed term of 36 months, starting at the earliest possible date.
Remuneration will be in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the German Federal States (TV-L), up to pay grade 13, depending on the duties assigned and the candidate’s qualifications.

The STEP RED-MED project develops and investigates biomarkers for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and other cancers with the aim of detecting disease relapse as early as possible. As part of doctoral research, the successful candidate will work on a translational subproject focused on the development and scientific evaluation of molecular and cell-based biomarkers. This involves the use of MRD testing, sequencing-based methods, flow cytometry, single-cell analysis and biostatistical analysis.

Responsibilities:

• Planning and conducting research on the development of biomarkers for the early detection of disease relapse in AML and other cancers, and analysing the results,
• Coordinating the multicentre collection of samples from patients with cancer, including obtaining ethics approvals, engaging and motivating participating study centres, and collecting clinical data.
• Applying and further developing suitable methods for MRD testing, particularly next-generation sequencing, flow cytometry and single-cell analysis,
• Processing, quality control, integration and scientific interpretation of the molecular, cellular and clinical data generated,
• Biostatistical analysis of prognostic markers, as well as scientific documentation, presentation of results, and contributions to publications and project-related reports,
• Providing academic guidance and supervision to students within the project, particularly in conducting and analysing experimental work and preparing academic theses.

Requirements:

• A Master’s degree, Diplom or equivalent university qualification in biology, biochemistry, biomedicine, molecular medicine, bioinformatics or a related discipline,
• A strong interest in translational leukaemia and cancer research and a willingness to pursue a doctorate within the project,
• Initial practical experience with MRD testing using next-generation sequencing, flow cytometry or single-cell analysis is an advantage,
• Knowledge of biostatistics, particularly the analysis of prognostic markers, is an advantage,
• Strong organisational skills, scientific and analytical skills, a careful, structured and increasingly independent approach to work, and the ability to work in a team,
• German language skills of at least level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and a very good command of written and spoken English, at least at level B2.

External Vacancy Announcement Ref. No. 7-138/26-D

We offer:

• The opportunity to pursue a doctorate focused on the development of innovative biomarkers for the early detection of disease relapse as part of a translational research project,
• An interdisciplinary research environment with close collaboration across clinical haematology and oncology, molecular diagnostics, sequencing, flow cytometry, single-cell analysis and biostatistics,
• Interesting and varied duties with scope to shape your work at the largest employer in the region,
• The opportunity to support the education of young people through your work and to contribute to gaining new insights and answering important scientific research questions,
• Public-sector employment with remuneration in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the German Federal States (TV-L), including an annual special payment and an occupational pension scheme,
• A secure job and attractive working conditions (working from home, flexible working hours, various part-time arrangements),
• 30 days of annual leave, plus days off on 24 and 31 December,
• An open-minded, diverse and international working environment that is also certified as family-friendly (including childcare during school holidays),
• Comprehensive staff development at all stages of your career, with a wide range of further training and professional development opportunities, including educational leave,
• Support for promoting and maintaining your health through our workplace health management programme, along with a wide range of university sports activities,
• The opportunity to take part in university groups and activities (including university sports teams, the university choir or university orchestra) and to attend exciting events, such as the Long Night of Science, University Information Day and University Winter Ball,
• Subsidised meals in the dining halls of Studentenwerk Halle.

Application Instructions & Contact

Applicants with severe disabilities and those with equivalent legal status will be given preference if they are equally suitable and qualified. Women are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications from people of all nationalities are expressly welcome. Applicants whose degree was not obtained at a German university must provide a Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications issued by the Central Office for Foreign Education (https://www.kmk.org/zab/central-office-for-foreign-education) as proof of equivalence when the employment contract is signed. Information on financial support for this assessment and how to apply is available at: https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/html/de/pro/anerkennungszuschuss.php#.

For enquiries, please contact Prof. Dr. Michael Heuser, Tel.: 0345 557-2924, email: [email protected].

Please send your application, quoting reference no. 7-138/26-D with the usual supporting documents by 02.11.2026 to University Hospital Halle (Saale), University Department and Outpatient Clinic of Internal Medicine IV, Office of the Director Prof. Dr. Michael Heuser, Ernst-Grube-Straße 40, 06120 Halle (Saale), or by email to [email protected].

This vacancy announcement is subject to any budgetary restrictions.

Martin Luther University does not reimburse application costs. Application documents will only be returned if a self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage is enclosed. Electronic applications are encouraged.