The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) is one of Europe’s largest cancer research centers. “Research for a life without cancer" is the mission of our world-class scientists and all our team members.
The DKFZ is a place where the brightest minds pursue bold ideas and seek answers to pioneering scientific questions through collaboration, innovation, and exploration across many disciplines. We provide a dynamic environment which empowers excellence with state-of-the-art technologies, cutting edge infrastructure, and a global scientific network.
Contribute your knowledge, vision, and dedication to create a space where scientific discovery in cancer research is transformed into benefits for human health.
The Junior Research Group "Brain Mosaicism and Tumorigenesis"headed by Dr. Pei-Chi Wei is seeking for the next possible date a
PhD Student in Cancer Breaksome
Reference number: 2025-0272
The Brain Mosaics & Tumorigenesis Laboratory at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) investigates how the genome is shaped, maintained, and disrupted in health and disease. We are particularly interested in how replication stress, transcription–replication conflicts, and DNA repair pathways influence the formation of double-strand breaks, copy-number alterations, and other structural genome changes.
Our group combines cutting-edge genome biology approaches with quantitative, multi-omics analyses to uncover the mechanisms that generate and resolve DNA damage. We have developed and routinely apply high-resolution mapping technologies — including LAM-HTGTS for direction-resolved DNA break mapping, Hi-RepliSeq for replication timing and directionality, GRO-seq for nascent transcription, and DRIP-seq for R-loop detection. These methods allow us to integrate replication, transcription, and DNA repair features at nucleotide resolution across large genomic datasets.
We focus on cancer models (osteosarcoma, breast cancer, leukemia) and on neural progenitor cells to understand how genome instability contributes to tumor initiation, therapy resistance, and disease progression. By pinpointing cell-type-specific vulnerabilities in the genome, we aim to identify novel therapeutic targets and inform personalized treatment strategies.
Our research environment is highly collaborative and interdisciplinary, spanning genome biology, computational analysis, and translational cancer research. Members of the lab gain expertise in next-generation sequencing, genome-wide data integration, statistical modeling, and hypothesis-driven experimental design, preparing them for leadership roles at the interface of molecular biology and data science.
Your Tasks
Project Description
Replication stress (RS) disrupts DNA replication and is a hallmark of cancer. RS often leads to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), which can fuel genomic instability but also reveal therapeutic vulnerabilities. In collaboration with the Aqeilan Lab (Hebrew University), we aim to map RS-mediated and naturally occurring DSBs in cancer cells at nucleotide resolution.
Using advanced sequencing technologies, we will characterize DSB landscapes across osteosarcoma, breast, and leukemia cell lines and compare them with in vivo tumor models. This multi-omics approach will pinpoint cancer-specific DNA break hotspots and their association with transcription, replication dynamics, and RNA:DNA hybrid formation.
Goals of the PhD Project
* Map and classify RS-mediated and naturally occurring DSBs in distinct cancer cell types
* Integrate multi-omics datasets (DSB maps, replication timing/direction, transcription orientation, and R-loop profiles) to identify cancer-type-specific vulnerabilities
* Generate engineered cancer cell lines (in collaboration with a technician) and design hypothesis-driven analyses to identify targetable mechanisms of genomic instability
* Contribute to developing reverse-translational strategies for therapeutic interventions in osteosarcoma and breast cancer
Future Perspective
The project offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of cancer genomics using cutting-edge sequencing and integrative computational analyses. The successful candidate will gain expertise in multi-omics data integration, statistical and computational methods, and translational cancer research. Results from this work are expected to reveal new mechanisms of genome instability, inform RS-targeting therapies, and open avenues for personalized treatment strategies.
Your Profile
* Major in biology, bioinformatics, or related fields (genetics, genomics, bioengineering, applied mathematics)
* Obtained or will obtain a Master’s degree in the above fields
* (For biologists) Intermediate programming skills in R or Python and prior experience analyzing omics datasets are advantageous
* (For bioinformatic-mathematic trait) Good performance in biology courses at university
* Proficient in English (spoken and written)
* Self-motivated, committed, and capable of independent as well as collaborative work
Note: The PhD project will focus on computational and experimental analyses of cancer cell lines; animal experiments will be performed by collaborating labs.
Interested candidates should submit a CV, cover letter, academic transcripts, and contact details of two references via the online application portal. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
We Offer
* Excellent framework conditions: state-of-the-art equipment and opportunities for international networking at the highest level
* Access to international research networks
* Doctoral salary with the usual social benefits
* 30 days of vacation per year
* Flexible working hours
* Possibility of mobile work and part-time work
* Family-friendly working environment
* Sustainable travel to work: subsidized Germany job ticket
* Unleash your full potential: targeted training and mentoring through the DKFZ International PhD Program and DKFZ Career Service
* Our Corporate Health Management Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being
Contact:
Dr. Pei-Chi Wei
Telefon:
The position is initially limited to 3 years.
Application Deadline: 11.11.2025
Applications by e-mail cannot be accepted. Please also note that we cannot return applications submitted by post.
Are you interested?
Then become part of the DKFZ and join us in contributing to a life without cancer!
We are convinced that an innovative research and working environment thrives on the diversity of its employees. Therefore, we welcome applications from talented people, regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical ability, religion and age. People with severe disabilities are given preference if they have the same aptitude.
Notice: We are subject to the regulations of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG). Therefore, all our employees must provide proof of immunity against measles.
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Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum | Im Neuenheimer Feld 280 | 69120 Heidelberg |
Company
About the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)
The German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ) is Germany’s largest biomedical research institute and a member of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. Over 3,200 staff members from 88 nations are dedicated to performing and driving cutting edge research for a life without cancer. Organized in more than 100 divisions and research groups, the focus of our 1,400 scientists is to unravel the causes and mechanisms of cancer development and progression, and to develop novel strategies for the diagnosis, early detection, prevention and treatment of cancer though innovative translational research.
Scientists at the DKFZ have received the most prestigious academic awards, including Prof. Harald zur Hausen, awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2008 for his pioneering work on Human Papilloma Viruses (HPV),and Prof. Stefan Hell, who received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his research on super-resolution imaging.
The DKFZ core site is located in Heidelberg, the “ City of Science ”, which is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Germany with a highly international community: An estimated 56,000 of Heidelberg’s 160,000 inhabitants have an international background – many of whom are scientists or students.
Research Topics and Scientific Collaborations
The DKFZ is an international leader in a number of research areas including stem cell research, bioinformatics and systems biology, cancer genomics, neurooncology, pediatric oncology, cancer prevention, tumor immunology, virology, radiooncology and medical image analysis. The interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment at the DKFZ also results in excellent opportunities for computational and data scientists with interest in biomedical applications.
Research at the DKFZ is organized into six research programs :
On the mission for a life without cancer, the DKFZ collaborates with renowned clinical and research institutions at the local, national and international level. A key goal is to continuously strengthen translational research activities with the aim of sustainably advancing state-of-the-art clinical cancer research in Germany and thereby improving the treatment outcomes and quality of life of cancer patients. Together with University Hospital partners across Germany, the DKFZ established the National Centers for Tumor Diseases (NCT) as leading Comprehensive Cancer Centers in Germany, as well as the Hopp Childrens’ Tumor Center (KiTZ) in Heidelberg with a specific focus on pediatric oncology. Within the German Cancer Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), research institutions and university hospitals at eight partner locations collaborate with the DKFZ, the core center of the DKTK, to speed up the transfer of successful cancer research into clinical practice. Furthermore, the HI-TRON in Mainz is a cooperative effort to make full use of the potential of individualized immunotherapy.
Training Programs and Career Development
Talent management and career development are central parts of DKFZ’s mission to maintain scientific excellence. The DKFZ places strong emphasis on the international recruitment and comprehensive training of excellent scientists, specifically welcoming diverse and international backgrounds.
Dedicated programs train young scientists and clinicians and prepare them for their next career step:
The DKFZ has developed programs to support the reconciliation of family and careers at all levels and international employees are supported by the International Staff Services in the planning, preparation and realization of their stay in Heidelberg.
Innovation Management
The DKFZ builds on strong Innovation Management to foster the development of innovative preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic products for maximum societal benefit. It facilitates technology transfer through licensing and support of spin-off companies. Recent examples include iOmx Therapeutics, Apogenix and mtm laboratories. The DKFZ also has strong collaborations with industry partners, such as Bayer Healthcare, Bosch, SAP and Siemens .
Company info
Telephone
+49 (0) 6221 420
Location
Im Neuenheimer Feld 280
Heidelberg
Baden-Württemberg
D-69120
Germany