PhD Position in Translational Systems Oncology of Urogenital Tumors
Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin | Department of Urology
About Us
The research group Translational Systems Oncology of Urogenital Tumors at Charité is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join our interdisciplinary team of clinicians and scientists.
Our work focuses on urogenital cancers using patient-derived organoid and tumor fragment models combined with multi-omics approaches. By systematically linking genotype to phenotype, we aim to develop predictive models of therapy response and advance innovative, personalized treatment strategies.
Project Overview
The successful candidate will contribute to a cutting-edge project investigating the targeted inhibition of essential genes in prostate and bladder cancer using allele-specific CRISPR/Cas9 technologies.
This project focuses on exploiting genomic regions with loss of heterozygosity to develop novel precision oncology strategies.
Key responsibilities include:
Development of allele-specific and chromosome arm-level CRISPR/Cas9 approaches in patient-derived primary cells
Molecular characterization of primary cultures using next-generation sequencing (NGS)
Independent design and execution of experiments within an interdisciplinary research environment
Development of innovative methodologies and research ideas
Documentation, analysis, and clear presentation of results
Dissemination of findings through publications and conference presentations
Active participation in lab meetings and journal clubs
You will be employed as a research associate. In accordance with §110 (4) BerlHG, dedicated time for academic qualification (PhD training) is provided within working hours.
Your Profile
Master’s degree in biology or a related life sciences field
Strong background in molecular biology, cell biology, and cancer biology
Hands-on experience in several of the following techniques is highly desirable:
Primary cell culture, CRISPR/Cas9, flow cytometry (FACS), NGS, immunofluorescence, single-cell sequencing, patient-derived xenograft models
Basic programming skills in R and/or Python are an advantage
Evidence of scientific productivity (e.g., publications, conference contributions) is beneficial
Ability to work independently, manage projects and timelines, and develop original research ideas
Excellent communication skills in English (German is a plus, but not mandatory for strong candidates)
What We Offer
A dynamic, international, and highly collaborative research environment
A challenging and impactful project at the forefront of translational cancer research
High degree of scientific independence and creative freedom
Structured onboarding and strong mentorship
Access to extensive training and professional development programs
Employee benefits (discounts for travel, sports, and shopping)
Institutional pension scheme
Certified family-friendly employer
Position Details
Salary: E13 TVöD-K (65%)
Working hours: 25 hours/week
Duration: 3 years (fixed-term, project-based)
Vacation: 30 days/year
Application deadline: April 9, 2026
Reference number: 6869