PhD Position – “Molecular Precision Medicine for Hormone-Driven Cancers” group
1. Anstellungsart: Phd, Habilitation
2. Arbeitsmodell: Full Time
3. Ausschreibungsnummer: 5
...you're in the middle of it
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join our „Molecular Precision Medicine for Hormone-Driven Cancers" research group at the Department of Urology (Director: Prof. Felix Chun) and the Mildred Scheel Career Center (MSNZ) Frankfurt, an excellence program supporting careers in translational cancer research (funded by the German Cancer Aid). The lab, headed by Dr. Anne Fassl, specializes in developing novel strategies for targeted therapies in prostate and breast cancer. The position is initially limited to three years, with the possibility of extension.
Project description:
Advanced prostate cancer is characterized by extensive genetic heterogeneity and a profoundly altered tumor immune microenvironment, both of which contribute to disease progression and therapy resistance. Emerging evidence suggests that genetic alterations critically shape immune evasion and immune suppression likely explaining the limited efficacy of immunotherapy in prostate cancer that has been observed to date. The mechanisms linking genetics to immune modulation in advanced disease remain poorly understood.
This PhD project aims to dissect the interplay between genetics and the immune microenvironment in advanced prostate cancer using complementary in vitro, in vivo, and patient-derived approaches. The student will investigate how specific genetic alterations influence immune cell recruitment, activation, and function that shape the response to targeted prostate cancer therapies. Analyses of human tumor samples will be integrated with mechanistic studies in preclinical models of advanced prostate cancer.
The project will combine molecular profiling of tumor cells with immune characterization using flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and transcriptomic approaches. Functional in vitro immune cell assays will be employed to study tumor–immune interactions under controlled conditions, while in vivo experiments will allow validation of key mechanisms. Overall, this project seeks to identify genetic drivers of immune suppression or activation and to provide a mechanistic framework for genetically informed immunomodulatory strategies in advanced prostate cancer.
...your skills are what we're looking for
4. Master’s degree in life sciences, e.g. biology, biochemistry, molecular medicine, immunology, or an equivalent qualification
5. Practical experience with immune cell assays and multi-color flow cytometry
6. Solid hands-on experience in basic laboratory techniques, including molecular biology and mammalian tissue culture
7. Interest in tumor biology, immunology, and the molecular mechanisms of cancer
8. Basic experience with data analysis or bioinformatics is considered a plus
9. High level of motivation, scientific curiosity, and passion for discovery-driven research
10. Interactive personality with a collaborative spirit and strong communication skills
11. Careful documentation of experimental work and a structured approach to data management
12. Excellent command of spoken and written English
13. Due to legal regulations, a valid proof of measles immunity / measles vaccination is required.
...you'll be offered a lot
14. In addition to an attractive salary based on a TV-G-U E (%) with an annual special payment, you benefit from long-term security through company pension schemes
15. An excellent and interdisciplinary scientific environment with dedicated supervision and mentoring
16. Comprehensive training in both fundamental laboratory techniques and state-of-the-art experimental methods
17. Opportunities for collaboration with nationally and internationally renowned research groups
18. Participation in training, qualification and career development programs of the MSNZ and the Goethe University
19. Participation in conferences, workshops, and scientific networking activities
20. Internal and external training for your professional development
21. We offer childcare in our daycare center (if you have any questions, please contact UKF-Familienservice), child care during holidays
22. Uniklinik-Campus, Mensa, Cafés
23. Free public transport in all Hessen (Free State Ticket Hessen)
24. Benefit from our attractive health offers. We offer regular online and face-to-face courses on nutrition, relaxation, sports and exercise
25. Insights:, ,
It's time to join our team!
… sind Sie mittendrin in der Medizin von morgen
Genau hier sind Sie mittendrin in der Medizin von morgen. Die Universitätsmedizin Frankfurt gehört zu den führenden Universitätskliniken in Deutschland. Bei uns ziehen über 8. Menschen aus über Nationen an einem Strang. Aus Wissen wird Gesundheit – das ist dabei unser täglicher Antrieb. Denn wir verbinden Krankenversorgung mit Forschung und Lehre, begrüßen den Fortschritt und entwickeln uns selbst immer weiter. So leisten wir einen wichtigen Beitrag für die Gesundheit und die Lebensqualität von über. Patientinnen und Patienten jährlich: kompetent, gewissenhaft und mit Leidenschaft.