PhD Student Biology, Hematology, Oncology (m/f/d) - #2708439

The Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology at the University Hospital Düsseldorf (UKD) at the Heinrich Heine University (HHU), headed by Prof. Dr. Arndt Borkhardt, is one of the leading clinical centers for the diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancer in Germany. The clinic is part of the University Tumor Center (UTZ) at the UKD and the Center for Integrative Oncology Aachen-Bonn-Cologne-Düsseldorf (CIO-ABCD), which is funded by the German Cancer Aid. It is a founding partner of the German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK) Essen-Düsseldorf and participates in international research consortia and study groups. The clinic operates a fully equipped research laboratory (safety level 1 and 2 according to the Genetic Engineering/Biotechnology Ordinance, including a GMP, next generation sequencing, flow cytometry, life cell imaging, and high-throughput drug testing facility) with 5 research groups and >30 staff working in an interdisciplinary manner on the fundamentals of childhood cancer and in the field of therapy optimization.

Activities And Responsibilities

We are seeking a highly motivated and creative PhD Student to join our research program in the field of amino acid homeostasis and cancer metabolism, with an anticipated start date of 02/2027. The successful candidate will work on the ERC-funded project “POWERFUL” (Deciphering how cancer cells fuel themselves to advance personalized treatment strategies).

The PhD student will take a leading role in understanding how cancer cells sense and respond to amino acid availability, and how to translate this knowledge into precision-based treatment strategies. This position requires scientific independence and the opportunity to contribute intellectually to experimental design, data interpretation, and publication strategy. The candidate will employ and further develop advanced experimental models and methodologies, including organoid systems, patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing, multiparameter flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, FRET assays, protein interaction and signaling assays, as well as in vitro and in vivo drug screening approaches.

Candidates should have a very good understanding of and experience with standard molecular biology techniques including but not limited to tissue culture, genome editing, FACS analysis, confocal microscopy, immunoblot, and PCR/qPCR. Experience with animal models is a plus (as is FELASA B certification). Willingness to learn and work with murine experimental models is a fundamental requirement.

Qualification profile

• Master in natural sciences or related field
• Solid experience with cancer models (e.g. organoids, PDXs) and drug-response studies
• expertise in molecular and cellular biology techniques, including mammalian tissue culture, genome editing, FACS/flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, immunoblotting, and PCR/qPCR.
• Excellent capability to develop new aspects and projects within the given research focus
• Excellent written and spoken English language skills, German language skills are a plus
• Organizational and project management experience
• Willingness to cooperate and ability to work in a team
• Experience in working with animals (FELASA B) is a plus, willingness to work with animals a requisite
  
  

Benefits

Remuneration is based on TV-L in pay grade 13 (65%), taking into account all previous periods of employment. The employment contract will be concluded with Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf.

Applications from women are expressly welcome. Women will be given preferential consideration if they have the same qualifications, skills, and professional performance, unless there are reasons related to a male competitor that outweigh this. Severely disabled applicants will be given preferential consideration if they have the same qualifications.

We Offer

• challenging and varied tasks in a committed, interdisciplinary team
• attractive opportunities for further training and development
• opportunity to travel and present at international meetings and conferences
• opportunity to participate in all consortium-associated meetings