With more than 20,000 students, University of Regensburg is an innovative and interdisciplinary campus university with diverse research activities and a broad range of courses for young people from Germany and abroad. At the
Chair of Experimental Medicine and Therapy Research (
https://www.experimentelle-medizin.de/ ) in the research group
Immunobiology of early systemic cancer, a position is available for a
PhD Candidate (m/f/d) starting on
January 1, 2025. This temporary employment is for the purpose of academic qualification (doctorate) with a contract duration of 3 years (§2 Abs. 1 WissZeitVG). Employment and salary for the offered position will be based upon the collective regulations defined for the German public service sector (TV-L).
PhD Candidate (m/f/d) - Immunobiology of early systemic cancer
Activities and responsibilities
We are seeking a dedicated researcher with a strong interest in the immunobiology of early systemic cancer for a project funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). In this role, you will study immune and organ defense mechanisms in early metastasis, focusing on melanoma and breast cancer.
Leveraging patient samples, advanced patient-derived models and single-cell omics technologies, you will investigate the early interactions between cancer cells and metastatic niches in the bone marrow and lymph nodes. Your research will focus on how cancer cells evade immune suppression and niche-specific defenses. By analyzing these mechanisms, you will contribute to identifying therapeutic targets that extend clinical latency and restore the body's natural defense against metastasis.
Qualification profile
- a Master's degree (or equivalent) in biology, biochemistry, biomedicine, or a closely related field
- a profound interest in the (immuno-) biology of cancer and metastasis
- a creative mindset combined with a highly organized and precise way to conduct experiments
- a passion for discovering the unknown, paired with a resilient and persistent personality
- enthusiasm for learning and developing new technologies
- the ability to work both independently and as well as collaboratively in a multidisciplinary and international team
- hands-on expertise with basic cellular, immunological and molecular techniques
- excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills
We offer
- an opportunity to work at the interface of immunology and cancer, one of the most exciting and rapidly advancing areas biomedical research
- to become part of an internationally acknowledged research group on cancer metastasis
- a motivating and dynamic working environment with flat hierarchies
- access to a well-structured, interdisciplinary PhD program within the framework of the local graduate schools (RIGeL, BioMediGS)
- a fixed-term contract for a period of 3 years with direct supervision by experienced scientists
- the University of Regensburg is particularly committed to support the reconciliation of work and family life. For more information please refer to https://www.uni-regensburg.de/equal-opportunities/chancengleichheit/startseite/index.html.
We look forward to receiving your application, which should include the following:
- a CV including a list of publications (if applicable)
- a letter of recommendation or contact details of 2-3 referees
- a brief statement outlining your research experience and motivation for pursuing a PhD, specifically in the field of metastasis (max. ½ page).
Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if their suitability is essentially equal. Please note that we cannot cover any costs that you may incur during an interview.
PD Dr. rer. nat. Melanie Werner-Klein
Experimental Medicine and Therapy Research
University of Regensburg
Franz-Josef Strauß Allee 11
93053 Regensburg
email www.experimentelle-medizin.de