PhD Student in Ferroptosis Research (Biochemiker/in)

“Research for a life without cancer" is our mission at the German Cancer Research Center. We investigate how cancer develops, identify cancer risk factors and look for new cancer prevention strategies. We develop new methods with which tumors can be diagnosed more precisely and cancer patients can be treated more successfully. Every contribution counts – whether in research, administration or infrastructure. This is what makes our daily work so meaningful and exciting.

The Clinical Cooperation Unit "Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology", headed by Prof. Dr. med. Michael Platten, is seeking a Bioinformatic PhD Student in Translational Immunology.

Cancer is constantly evolving, and so is the way we treat it. The advent of high-throughput single-cell sequencing means we can understand the interaction between tumor cells and the immune system in unprecedented depth. In Professor Platten’s research group at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and the Neurology Clinic at UMM, we are working to convert this data into clinically relevant information by applying the latest analytical techniques, as well as developing our own tools. Most recently, we have shown that it is possible to train a machine learning model to identify tumor-reactive T cells infiltrating any tumor type, cutting months off the time it takes to develop personalized cell therapies for patients.

We continue to explore how to combine patient sequencing, high-throughput testing, and machine learning in CENTRIC:BRAIN, an ERC Advanced Grant project looking at characterising and harnessing tumor-reactive T cells in the brain.

As part of this project, we are recruiting a PhD student with a track record of bioinformatics experience. We offer an exceptional learning environment with many experienced postdoc colleagues, excellent scientific facilities and funding, and a flat, inclusive hierarchy where everyone is expected to contribute. We are looking for a collaborative, ambitious, meticulous, scientifically adventurous, and curiosity-driven scientist to join our team translating basic research into tools for patients.

Prior experience of bioinformatics (at least 6 months) is required for this role; experience of single-cell sequencing, machine learning, or an experimental background in (tumor) immunology would be advantageous.

Due to the close connection to the Immune Monitoring Unit (NCT) and the University Clinic Mannheim, we offer access to patient-derived single-cell sequencing and bulk sequencing data collected from diverse samples (e.g., tumor and peripheral blood) across multiple time points. Further, collaborative working environment fostering exploratory project ideas and the implementation of cutting-edge technologies from both academia and industry.

Your Tasks

- Analysis and curation of multi-omics data, in particular single-cell sequencing datasets
- Analysis of patient immune repertoire datasets, in particular TCR repertoires
- Contribution to the development of bioinformatic tools and pipelines
- Contribution to high-throughput assay development, for example by managing our lab automation systems or conducting high-throughput functional assays using high-content imaging systems

Your Profile

- M.Sc. degree in biochemistry, biology, genetics, physics, mathematics or related disciplines (to be completed within the next 3 months if not already)
- Experience in bioinformatics (R/Python, optimally also pipeline tools such as Nextflow/Docker/Snakemake)
- Strong interest in translational tumor immunology, familiarity with immunology terms and data
- Good command of written and oral English
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

We Offer

- Excellent framework conditions: state-of-the-art equipment and opportunities for international networking at the highest level
- Remuneration according to TV-L incl. occupational pension plan and capital-forming payments
- 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
- Our Corporate Health Management Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being
- Develop your full potential: access to the DKFZ International Postdoc Program and DKFZ Career Service with targeted offers for your personal development to further develop your talents

Are you interested?

Then become part of the DKFZ and join us in contributing to a life without cancer!

Contact:

Dr. Edward Greene
Phone: +49(0)6221/42-3859

​Duration: The position is initially limited to 3 years.

Application Deadline: 26.02.2025

Applications by e-mail cannot be accepted.

Please also note that we cannot return applications submitted by post.

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.

“Research for a life without cancer" is our mission at the German Cancer Research Center. We investigate how cancer develops, identify cancer risk factors and look for new cancer prevention strategies. We develop new methods with which tumors can be diagnosed more precisely and cancer patients can be treated more successfully. Every contribution counts – whether in research, administration or infrastructure. This is what makes our daily work so meaningful and exciting.

The Division of Redox Regulation is seeking from May 2025 a motivated PhD Student in Ferroptosis Research.

The Division of Redox Regulation is an English speaking, international laboratory, offering a highly interactive and collaborative scientific environment. We investigate how normal and tumor cells adapt to oxidative stress. We employ a broad range of techniques, ranging from live-cell imaging with biosensors and genome engineering to proteomics and biochemistry.

Tumor cells often produce more free radicals than healthy cells. In principle, they should be more susceptible to ferroptosis, a form of cell death that is caused by radical-driven lipid oxidation and membrane damage. However, most tumor cells manage to keep radicals under control. Recently, our group discovered a novel radical scavenging system that protects cells against lipid oxidation and membrane damage (Barayeu et al. 2023, Nat Chem Biol 19:28). It is based on so-called persulfides, which are products of sulfur metabolism. In this project, we will investigate the role of persulfides in suppressing ferroptosis-causing radicals. We will try to drive tumor cells into ferroptosis by inhibiting persulfide generation. This project is part of the DFG-funded Priority Program “Ferroptosis: from Molecular Basics to Clinical Applications”.


Your Tasks

- Development and application of new tools for studying and controlling radical-induced lipid peroxidation
- Analysis of the role of persulfides in controlling radicals in normal and tumor cells
- Participation in our collaborations with colleagues in the Ferroptosis field
- Contribution to the training and teaching activities of the division
- Preparation of scientific presentations and publications

Your Profile

Applicants must have a master's degree or equivalent in biochemistry, biotechnology, biology or related fields. Candidates should have a very good fundamental understanding of chemistry and at least some prior experience in molecular biology and biochemistry techniques. We expect excellent command of written and oral English with proof of language proficiency (not required for applicants from the EU or North America).

Please submit your application in a single PDF file with a letter of motivation, a statement of research interests, CV, list of publications, transcripts of high school and university certificates, reference letters and contact information for 2-3 referees.

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

Are you interested?

Then become part of the DKFZ and join us in contributing to a life without cancer!

Contact:

Prof. Dr. Tobias Dick
Phone: +49 (0)6221/42-2320

​Duration: The position is limited to 3 years with the possibility of prolongation.

Application Deadline: 14.02.2025

Applications by e-mail cannot be accepted.

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.