Main tasks
We are seeking an exceptionally motivated PhD candidate to join our team for an exciting ERC-funded project, in which we aim to develop and preclinically evaluate novel cell therapy approaches for the treatment of malignant brain tumors, in particular pediatric high-grade gliomas. The project will employ state-of-the-art methods to manipulate brain immune cells, especially microglia.
This position offers the opportunity to participate in the structured PhD program of the faculty, gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge techniques, and contribute to high-impact research. The prospective PhD student will be mentored and supervised directly by the principal investigator throughout the PhD program, and join a stimulating and supportive research environment within a dynamic team located at the Research Institute Children's Cancer Center Hamburg on the UKE campus.
Your tasks:
* Actively support the research group intellectually, organizationally, and experimentally
* Formulate scientific questions based on the current state of the field
* Design and conduct experiments
* Analyze and interpret experimental data
* Communicate, present, and publish scientific findings
The position is 65 % of full-time weekly working hours and initially limited to three years due to the WissZeitVG, with the possibility of extension.
Your Profile
* Completed scientific university degree in the natural sciences (e.g., molecular medicine, biology)
* Strong interest in biomedical research and highest motivation to work on an ambitious project with demanding methodology
* Excellent teamwork and communication skills, flexibility, and initiative
* Practical experience in cell culture and molecular biology
* Ideally prior experience, or at least interest and willingness, in animal research (mouse models)
* Ideally programming skills in R or bioinformatics experience
* Ideally prior experience in experimental oncology, immunology, neuroscience, (stem) cell biology, and/or genetic engineering
* Very good command of English (written and spoken)
* Candidates with equivalent skills and experience and strong interest in the described research area are also encouraged to apply
Immunity status
Please note that employment is contingent upon proof of immunization or immunity against the measles virus, in accordance with applicable legal and medical requirements. Documentation (e.g., vaccination certificate) must be provided before employment begins.
Our Offer
* Attractive compensation according to TVöD/VKA
* Secure employment with meaningful work and respectful collaboration
* Comprehensive onboarding and open knowledge exchange within the team
* Extensive training and further education programs at our UKE Academy for Education and Careers
* Opportunities to contribute to our “UKE INside” personnel policy through cross-professional and cross-hierarchical projects
* Sustainable travel: subsidies for the Deutschlandticket as a job ticket, and Dr. Bike bicycle service
* Family-friendly working environment: cooperation on childcare, free vacation childcare, advice for employees with relatives in need of care
* Excellent health, wellness, and sports programs
* A wide range of dining options in our staff restaurant, with additional choices available at the “Health Kitchen” cafés, bistros, and an on-site supermarket