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 Clinical Cooperation Unit " Applied Tumor Immunity " is seeking for its Research Group "" for the next possible date a
PhD Student in the field of Tumor Immunology and Gut Microbiome
Reference number: 2025-0300
Immunotherapy has led to a paradigm change in systemic tumor therapy. Many patients now benefit from improved survival and sometimes cure. However, there is an urgent need to further improve immunotherapy, as a majority of patients will progress despite treatment. Recent preclinical, translational, and clinical studies demonstrate that the patient's (gut) microbiome is a major determinant of response to immunotherapy and highlight the potential of microbiome intervention in immuno-oncology.
In our team, we actively integrate translational data, functional assays and preclinical models, to understand and overcome mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapy and chemotherapy, with a focus on gut-related subversion of antitumor immunity. By leveraging this knowledge, we aim to find biomarkers, patient stratification, and innovative treatment combinations.
Our research group is embedded in a multidisciplinary team with close connection to the clinic and a bioinformatics team.
Your Tasks
We are seeking a highly motivated and result-oriented PhD candidate to join our dynamic research team working on a cutting-edge project focused on investigating how gut microbiota influence resistance to immunotherapy and chemotherapy in colorectal cancer. The successful candidate will be an integral part of a multidisciplinary effort aimed at identifying microbial-derived factors that modulate tumor immunogenicity. We aim to identify and validate novel therapeutic targets and combination strategies to overcome microbiome-driven immune suppression in colorectal cancer.
Key Responsibilities:
* Design and conduct experiments, data collection, and data analysis
* Collaborate with other team members to contribute to ongoing research efforts
* Conduct comprehensive literature reviews to gain an in-depth understanding of the research area and identify knowledge gaps
* Assist in writing research reports, conference abstracts, and scientific papers
* Attend institutional research seminars, consortium meetings, and international conferences, and present research findings to disseminate research outcomes and interact with the scientific community
Anticipated tasks for the project:
* Integrate multi-omics datasets (including metabolomics, high-dimensional flow cytometry, and multiplex imaging) to identify key molecular and cellular mechanisms in colorectal cancer (CRC)
* Conduct high-throughput in vitro screening using 2D cell culture systems representing distinct molecular subtypes of CRC, and assess expression profiles via flow cytometry
* Perform in vitro studies using mouse- and patient-derived organoid models, as well as in vivo experiments employing state-of-the-art preclinical systems
Your Profile
* Master's degree in a relevant field, such as cancer biology, immunology, microbiology and infection biology, or related disciplines
* Fulfil all academic requirements set by the DKFZ PhD Program
* Strong background in molecular and cellular biology techniques, including high-dimensional flow cytometry, gene expression analysis, cell culture (2D and 3D), and microbiology
* Experience in metabolomics and data analysis is highly desirable
* Excellent communication and organizational skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
* Experience in animal experimentation is a plus
* Enthusiasm for onco-immunology and microbiome research and the drive to contribute to scientific advancements
The project is part of a high-profile international consortium, providing access to cutting-edge technologies, cross-disciplinary expertise, and exceptional opportunities for training and career development.
More information:
Interested candidates should submit a CV, cover letter, academic transcripts, and contact details of two references via the online application portal .
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 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:
Yuk Ching Chan
Phone: +49 6221 56-36127
The position is initially limited to 3 years.
Application Deadline: 19.12.2025
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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For further information please contact
Yuk Ching Chan, phone +49 (0)6221/56-36127.
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