The Institute for Cell and Tumorbiology is looking for a
PhD student (f/m/d) - hematological malignancies and fibrosis
Operational area: Institute for Cell and Tumorbiology
Working hours: Part-time 65% (currently 25,3 hours/week)
Duration/Term of employment: initially limited till in accordance with the WissZeitVG. The successful candidate is expected to pursue a doctoral degree.
Start date:
Remuneration/Rates: EG 13 (TV-L)
The Institut for Cell and Tumor Biology at Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, led by Univ.-Prof. Dr. Rebekka Schneider-Kramann, is a vibrant, multidisciplinary research hub dedicated to understanding and overcoming hematologic malignancies. The team integrates cutting-edge molecular biology, spatial multi-omics, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, advanced 3D cell culture, organoid systems, single-cell technologies, and in vivo transgenic models to investigate the regulation of hematopoietic and stromal cells and the mechanisms driving clonal myeloid diseases. PhD students benefit from direct guidance and collaboration with experts in our team specialized in each of these state-of-the-art technologies, ensuring strong methodological support and training. The institute emphasizes translational impact, fostering innovation that drives new therapeutic strategies, within an international, collaborative, and patient-centered research environment.
Project:
In this PhD project, you will spearhead research designed to uncover key cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying myelofibrosis. This includes designing experiments using patient material, cell lines, iPS cells, organoids and animal models; applying and refining state-of-the-art techniques such as spatial single-cell sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, and advanced multiplexed imaging; and integrating multi-omics data to identify and validate novel therapeutic targets. You will work closely with clinicians, bioinformaticians, and fellow lab members to translate laboratory findings toward clinical relevance, contribute to scientific publications, and present your findings in scientific forums. Throughout, you'll help shape the direction of the research through innovative hypothesis generation and method development, with the ultimate aim of contributing to improved treatments and outcomes for patients with myelofibrosis.
In specific, this project centers on employing patient-derived bone marrow organoids as next-generation in vitro models to explore the stromal-hematopoietic interactions that drive myelofibrosis (MF). Using these cutting-edge systems, you will perform high-throughput drug and CRISPR screens to uncover novel genes and pathways shaping disease progression and treatment response.
As an exciting translational aspect, the project will also leverage innovative CAR-T cells and antibody-based therapies to counteract fibrosis and malignant remodeling in MF. You will evaluate their anti-fibrotic efficacy and mechanisms of action in organoid and in vivo models, integrating multi-omics profiling and advanced imaging to visualize how these interventions impact stromal cells, fibrosis, and the hematopoietic niche.
This project offers the opportunity to combine state-of-the-art experimental approaches with clinically relevant translational research, contributing directly to the development of next-generation therapies for myelofibrosis.
Your tasks:
* Design, plan, and execute experiments to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying myelofibrosis
* Work with primary patient samples, cell lines, iPS cells, organoids and/or animal models to explore disease biology
* Apply and develop cutting-edge techniques such as organoids, single-cell sequencing, CRISPR-based gene editing, and advanced flow cytometry
* Analyze experimental data using statistical and bioinformatics approaches, transforming complex results into meaningful biological insights
* Present findings at lab meetings, seminars, and international conferences, actively contributing to the scientific dialogue
Your profile:
* Master's degree in biology, biotechnology or similar
* Experience with cell culture (especially stromal cells, blood cells, iPS cells, organoids or similar)
* Solid background in cellular and molecular biology techniques (e.g., cell culture, flow cytometry, CRISPR, Western blot, qPCR, sequencing methods)
* Experience with advanced research methods such as single-cell omics, bioinformatics, or systems biology is a plus
* Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken; ability to present scientific results clearly and effectively (Level C1)
* Prior experience with mouse handling and in vivo experiments is highly beneficial, and while full training (including the required FELASA course) will be provided, genuine motivation and willingness to perform animal work are essential
* Fascination for the biology of blood cancers and motivated to unravel the molecular and cellular mechanisms driving myelofibrosis
* Analytical mindset with the ability to handle and interpret complex data sets
* Self-motivated, well-organized, and able to work both independently and in a team-oriented environment
* Open-minded, innovative, and driven to contribute to high-impact publications and scientific progress
Why choose us?
We offer...
* 30 days of vacation
* A bonus of 3,000 euros for employees who help recruit employees in the care sector
* An attractive company pension scheme from VBL
* Education opportunities, including updating and upgrading
* Access to public transport
* In-house kindergarten (places subject to availability)
* Staff residences (places subject to availability and by arrangement)
* An onboarding app for new employees
* Extended opening hours in the staff restaurant
Application:
The application deadline for the advertised position GB-P-53532 is
Contact:
University Hospital of the RWTH Aachen, Institute for Cell and Tumorbiology, Univ. Prof. Dr. med. Rebekka Schneider-Kramann, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Eveline Mierau
E-Mail:
Phone:
We look forward to receiving your application
This job advertisement is aimed at all genders.
The RWTH Aachen University Hospital promotes equal opportunity and diversity. Applications from women are expressly sought and, in accordance with relevant laws, will be treated preferentially.
We welcome applications from people with disabilities and they will be given priority if they are equally suitable.
Employment at a fraction less than the weekly full-time working hours stated above is generally possible.
It is preferable to use our digital application portal at to apply. The portal allows you to upload your documents to an electronic application folder, which is protected from unauthorized access. Applications received by email are transferred to our application portal and then deleted in accordance with data protection regulations. (Transmission by email is usually inadequately protected.) If you do not agree to the transfer of your data to our portal, we unfortunately cannot consider your application. The data in the portal will be deleted after the retention period has expired.