Ph.D. Student (Research fellow junior) (all genders) - Research Institute Children’s Cancer Center Hamburg

Main tasks

At the Research Institute Children's Cancer Center at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, a position as a graduate student (PhD student) is available in the research group Developmental Neurobiology and Paediatric Neuro-oncology (head Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schüller, ) as of 01.11.2025. In principle, an earlier or later start is conceivable. Participation in the structured PhD programme of the faculty is possible.

Brain and spinal cord tumours remain as one of the biggest unsolved challenges in children’s cancer research. The Department for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at the UKE is one of Europe’s largest centres for paediatric oncology, with a particular focus on the treatment and research of CNS tumours. Several national and international clinical trials and registries for brain tumour patients are coordinated by the clinic’s HIT-MED trial centre. Furthermore, Germany’s neuropathological reference centre for ependymoma and CSF-diagnostics is situated in Hamburg. In combination with a broad preclinical research portfolio, the UKE is one of Germany’s leading centres for paediatric neuro-oncology and offers unique opportunities to investigate childhood brain and spinal cord tumours. Our research group consists of an interdisciplinary, highly motivated team which applies a broad spectrum of methods ranging from in vivo- modelling to advanced multi-omics technologies to find new ways of diagnosing and treating brain and spinal cord tumours in children.

Within the scope of your PhD-project, you will apply cutting edge technologies, like single cell RNA-sequencing and spatial transcriptomics, to investigate how intra- and intertumoral heterogeneity shape the biological foundations of paediatric CNS-tumours and how they contribute to therapy resistance. Whereas the first part of this project focuses on the analysis of human samples, the second part will consist of applying these findings in in vitro- and in vivo- models. The project will be performed in cooperation with the group of Prof. Kristian Pajtler at the Hopp-Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg.

This is a parttime position with 65% percent of the regular weekly working hours and is initially limited to three years as part of a third-party funded research project.

Your Profile

• Excellent scientific degree (Master’s degree or equivalent in biology, molecular biosciences or a related subject)
• Strong interest in molecular science and high motivation to work on an ambitious project
• Excellent collaborative teamwork with strengths in communication and independent thinking
• Knowledge of basic methods of molecular biology
• Ideally first experience with single cell- and spatial transcriptomics technologies, especially the Xenium in situ‑ platform or a strong interest to learn these methods
• A general openness to carrying out mouse experiments is necessary for this position. First experience in in vivo- modelling and animal research are welcome, but not mandatory. All necessary techniques can be learned in our group, and we offer to obtain a FELASA B-certificate (licence to perform research with animals)
• Basic programming skills (e.g. R, Python) and experience with omics data are welcome
• Ability to prepare, present and publish scientific data
• Proficiency in English (spoken and written)
• Candidates with equivalent skills and experience and high interest in the research area described are also welcome to apply

Please include the following documents in your application: CV, high school diploma, degree certificate, letter of motivation, at least one letter of recommendation and supporting documents.

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

• Well-funded, innovative research project with access to cutting edge technologies (e. g. single cell and spatial transcriptomics core facility, DNA-methylation profiling
• Close mentoring by experienced postdocs and PI, including continuous support by full-time bioinformaticians
• Opportunity to work in cooperative projects with other leading centres for paediatric neuro-oncology, e. g. the Hopp-Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg
• A diverse program of guest lectures, seminars, grand rounds
• The opportunity to attend and present your work at international conferences
• Comprehensive onboarding and open knowledge exchange within the team
• 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