MASTER STUDENT: THE BIOMECHANICAL DIMENSIONS OF CANCER-ASSOCIATED FIBROBLASTS (CAFS) IN PENILE CANCER (F/M/D)
The Materials-Oriented Synthetic Biology (MSB) Group at the Leibniz Institute for New Materials investigates how biological signal processing can be harnessed to control the function and properties of cells and materials. Inspired by the adaptability of living systems, our research explores how organisms sense environmental cues, process molecular information, and translate these signals into coordinated responses. By integrating concepts from synthetic biology, cell biology, and materials science, we develop approaches to program cellular behavior and engineer functional biomaterials. This interdisciplinary perspective enables new strategies to study and manipulate complex biological environments such as the tumor microenvironment.
We offer a Master’s thesis project in the field of experimental immunology & oncology:
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a central role in tumor progression and clinical outcome in penile carcinoma (PeCa). Recent findings indicate that the tumor center (TC) and invasion front (IF) represent distinct stromal microenvironments characterized by inflammatory and biomechanical programs that regulate tumor growth and invasion. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) actively remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM) via biomechanical forces that promote tumor cell migration and invasion.
The goal of this project is to investigate how CAFs and their ECM environment generate mechanobiological and cellular programs promoting tumor invasion and progression. The project will combine histological, cell biological, and biomechanical approaches to characterize CAF phenotypes and ECM remodeling. Methods include organotypic 3D tumor models, immunofluorescence microscopy, traction force microscopy, and biomechanical hydrogel assays.
YOUR PROFILE
* Master student in Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Materials Science, or a related field.
* Strong interest in tumor biology, cell–matrix interactions, or mechanobiology.
* Experience with cell culture, microscopy, or immunostaining is advantageous.
* Basic knowledge of data analysis or statistics is beneficial.
* Ability to work independently as well as within an interdisciplinary research team.
* Good communication and writing skills in English.
WE OFFER
* An exciting master’s project in a dynamic interdisciplinary research environment.
* Training in advanced cell biology, microscopy, and mechanobiological methods.
* Access to fully equipped S1/S2 laboratories with modern flow cytometry, cell sorting, and imaging facilities.
* Access to advanced imaging and biomechanical characterization platforms.
* Close supervision and the opportunity to contribute to ongoing international research projects.
This project is offered as a master’s thesis for students enrolled in a relevant university program. The thesis will be supervised by a member of the Faculty of Medicine (PD Dr. Stefan Lohse), while experimental work will be carried out at the Leibniz Institute for New Materials.
The INM practices an open and appreciative corporate culture in which the existing diversity is promoted and lived. The institute is an equal opportunity employer with a certified family-friendly policy, and it provides offers for a better work-life balance, flextime, and mobile working. We promote professional opportunities for women and strongly encourage them to apply. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualifications and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.
If you are interested in this project, please upload a short application including your CV to PD Dr. Stefan Lohse (stefan.lohse@leibniz-inm.de ) until 31st May 2026.
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