PhD student position (all genders) for ERC Starting Grant project ‚Neuro-Immuno-Oncology and Cell Therapy‘

Main tasks

Pediatric high-grade gliomas are among the most devastating childhood cancers, carrying a dismal prognosis and an urgent unmet need for effective therapies. We are seeking an exceptionally motivated PhD candidate to join our team at the Neuro-Immuno-Oncology and Cell Therapy group () for an ERC Starting Grant-funded project, in which we aim to develop and preclinically evaluate novel cell therapy approaches for the treatment of malignant brain tumors. The project employs a range of cutting-edge approaches, including microglia replacement strategies.

This position offers the opportunity to participate in the structured PhD program of the faculty, gain hands-on experience in advanced in vivo and molecular 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.

Our lab values scientific rigor, mutual respect, open communication, and genuine teamwork. We hold ourselves to the highest professional standards while fostering an environment where curiosity is encouraged and every team member’s contribution matters. If you want to think big, work hard, and help change outcomes for children with brain tumors, we look forward to hearing from you.

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

This position is to be filled with 65% of the regular weekly working hours and initially limited to three years in accordance with WissZeitVG, with the possibility of extension.

Your Profile

• Completed scientific university degree in the natural sciences (e.g., molecular medicine, biology, neuroscience)
• Preferably previous research experience in neuro-oncology or neuroimmunology
• 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
• Hands-on experience in mouse experiments; prior experience with intracranial stereotactic injections or comparable surgical procedures is a strong advantage
• Ideally programming skills in R or bioinformatics experience
• 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