Stellenangebot: PhD Student (m/f/d) 13914 / Brückeninstitut für Experimentelle Tumorforschung (BIT) bei Universitätsklinikum Essen

Work Area: Institute for Experimental Tumour Therapy Job ID: 13914 Start Date: Next possible date Work Scope: Parttime (25,025 hours per week) Contract Type: Temporary contract Contract duration: 30. June 2030; in accordance with § 2 (2) WissZeitVG for the duration of the project Your tasks: Opportunity to conduct high-level interdisciplinary research within the newly established DFG funded Collaborative Research Centre CRC/SFB 1752 “DYNAMO”, investigating the earliest mechanisms of therapy resistance in melanoma during the first days and weeks after therapy initiation: • Work in Project B01 • Deciphering fibroblast heterogeneity and its implications for immune checkpoint inhibitor response in melanoma • Investigation of fibroblasts, melanoma, and T cell interactions in the context of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) response and resistance in melanoma • Multiplex imaging and spatial characterization of tumor–immune interactions • Contribution to experimental design and execution of immune-oncology focused and in vitro and ex vivo functional assays • Gene expression analyses (e.g. qPCR) and cytokine/chemokine profiling in tumor immune interaction models • Data analysis, interpretation, and integration of experimental results in collaboration with computational project partners • Participation in presentation of scientific results at meetings and conferences Your profile: • Completed Diploma or Master degree in molecular biology or cancer biology, immunology, cell biology, bioinformatics, translational medicine or related disciplines • Strong interest in melanoma biology, tumor immunology, immune checkpoint therapy, translational cancer research, and tumor–immune interactions • Strong interest in multiplex/spatial imaging approaches (e.g. Phenocycler or related platforms) • Experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques • Experience with cell culture, cytokine profiling, flow cytometry and/or microscopy is desirable • Experience with bioinformatics or biostatistics is advantageous • Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams, specifically bridging melanoma biology and tumor immunology • Ability to work closely with the second B01 project team and contribute to active scientific exchange • High level of self-motivation, scientific curiosity, reliability, personal initiative, creativity, and team-oriented personality • Enthusiasm for hands-on experimental and computational research and active contribution to a dynamic, international, and collaborative research environment • Strong organizational skills, commitment, and the ability to drive projects forward independently • Fluent in spoken and written English Your application should include: • Letter of motivation describing research interests and motivation for joining the project • Curriculum vitae (CV) including publication list, if applicable • Copies of academic certificates and transcripts • Contact details of TWO academic referees or letters of recommendation Look forward to: • Cutting-edge research & technology innovative project: • Participation in a newly established DFG-funded Collaborative Research Centre featuring a strong interdisciplinary translational focus on tumor dynamics and immune modulation in melanoma • Access to state-of-the-art technologies including spatial transcriptomics, multiplex imaging, cytokine/chemokine profiling, confocal microscopy and AI-supported data integration • Networking & collaboration in the scientific community: • Integration into an interdisciplinary, internationally visible cancer immunology research network • Diverse teams: daily interaction with professional colleagues across experimental, computational, and clinical research • Exchange opportunities: excellent avenues for close scientific collaboration and external career development • Mentoring & career development: Structured guidance: continuous, high-quality mentoring tailored to your academic progression • Enrollment into the Graduate School for Biomedical Science ‘BIOME’ (https://www.uni-due.de/biome/) • Skill building: active participation in CRC events, lab rotations, hands-on workshops, and specialized training activities • Work environment & infrastructure: Top-tier facilities: excellent institutional infrastructure located directly at the University Hospital Essen campus • A secure job in the public service of the state of NRW • Fair payment in accordance with the collective wage agreement (TV-L) incl. annual bonus payment and supplementary company pension scheme • 30 days of vacation per calendar year (for a full-time position) • Interdisciplinary work with colleagues from other departments • Working with modern equipment and certified quality standards • Family-friendly corporate culture, e.g. company daycare center, vacation program for school-age children, advice and support from the Employee Service Office in all life situations • Wide range of training and continuing education opportunities, e.g. at the Training Academy of UK Essen • Health Management, e.g. company integration management, vaccinations, promotion of sports activities • Attractive fringe benefits, e.g. reduced-price canteen meals, community events, accommodation in student residences. General conditions: • The pay grade classification depends on the personal and collective legal prerequisites. • The University Hospital Essen is an equal opportunity employer. Female scientists are particularly encouraged to apply. • The participation in secondary employment depends on the „Hochschulnebentätigkeitsverordnung“ of North-Rhine Westphalia. • Disabled applicants will be preferentially considered in case of equivalent qualification. You will find detailed information on the job advertisement and contact persons behind the button - Apply now: https://bewerbung-karriere.ume.de/Vacancies/13914/Application/CheckLogin/1 We use your data exclusively for application purposes in accordance with the applicable data protection regulations. Further information can be found in the privacy statement on our homepage at: www.uk-essen.de.