PhD candidate (Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine or related) (m/f/d)

The Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Center for Pediatrics (medical director: Prof. T. Feuchtinger) has an opening in the field of novel cell, immune and gene therapies starting in Q1 2026 for a

PhD candidate (Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine or related) (m/f/d)

We are seeking candidates with an interest in cancer immunology and pediatric oncology to conduct comprehensive in vitro and in vivo functional testing for prevention of immune escape. The available PhD project aims to investigate immune escape mechanisms of pediatric leukemias in the context of modern immunotherapies, particularly CAR T-cell therapies. The goal is to understand the biological basis of therapy-resistant relapses and to translate these findings into new, clinically relevant treatment strategies.

We offer:

PhD thesis within a collaborative research center (CRC1479 OncoEscape)

exceptional environment for translational immunology & oncology research

motivated team of lymphocyte engineers

modern laboratory with excellent infrastructure

widespread local, national and international collaborations

Methodological focus:

Gene editing of human (stem) cells and CAR T cell generation (CRISPR/Cas, viral transduction)

Cell culture and functional immune assays (e.g., cytotoxicity and cytokine analyses)

Multiparameter flow cytometry and molecular biology analyses

Preclinical mouse models (xenograft and syngeneic CAR T cell models) for investigating immune escape and therapy response

Analysis of primary patient samples

Your qualifications:

Master degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular medicine or related fields

strong background in cell biology, immunology and molecular biology

Experience in and readiness to perform in vivo functional tests in mouse models

good command of spoken and written English

The employment contract is limited to 36 months with the possibility of an extension.

We look forward to your application (CV, letter of motivation, references with contact information). Please submit your application via our online portal.

University Medical Center Freiburg Center for Pediatrics

Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

Prof. Dr. med. Tobias Feuchtinger

Breisacher Str. 62, D-79106 Freiburg

Questions? For further information, please reach out at any time.