PhD student position

Main tasksWe are seeking an exceptionally motivated PhD candidate to join our team for an exciting ERC-funded project, in which we aim to develop and preclinically evaluate novel cell therapy approaches for the treatment of malignant brain tumors, in particular pediatric high-grade gliomas. The project will employ state-of-the-art methods to manipulate brain immune cells, especially microglia.This position offers the opportunity to participate in the structured PhD program of the faculty, gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge 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.Your TasksActively support the research group intellectually, organizationally, and experimentallyFormulate scientific questions based on the current state of the fieldDesign and conduct experimentsAnalyze and interpret experimental dataCommunicate, present, and publish scientific findingsThe position is 65 % of full-time weekly working hours and initially limited to three years due to the WissZeitVG, with the possibility of extension.Your ProfileCompleted scientific university degree in the natural sciences (e.g., molecular medicine, biology)Strong interest in biomedical research and highest motivation to work on an ambitious project with demanding methodologyExcellent teamwork and communication skills, flexibility, and initiativePractical experience in cell culture and molecular biologyIdeally prior experience, or at least interest and willingness, in animal research (mouse models)Ideally programming skills in R or bioinformatics experienceIdeally prior experience in experimental oncology, immunology, neuroscience, (stem) cell biology, and/or genetic engineeringVery 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 applyImmunity statusPlease 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 OfferAttractive compensation according to TVöD/VKASecure employment with meaningful work and respectful collaborationComprehensive onboarding and open knowledge exchange within the teamExtensive training and further education programs at our UKE Academy for Education and CareersOpportunities to contribute to our "UKE INside" personnel policy through cross-professional and cross-hierarchical projectsSustainable travel: subsidies for the Deutschlandticket as a job ticket, and Dr. Bike bicycle serviceFamily-friendly working environment: cooperation on childcare, free vacation childcare, advice for employees with relatives in need of careExcellent health, wellness, and sports programsA wide range of dining options in our staff restaurant, with additional choices available at the "Health Kitchen" cafés, bistros, and an on-site supermarketContactContact to the departmentDr. med. Marius Mader Recruiting contactRecruiting Team About UsWe live diversity and value varietyWe offer a work environment that provides equal opportunities regardless of age, gender, sexual identity, disability, ethnic and social origin, or religion. This is confirmed by our accession to the Charter of Diversity. We explicitly aim to increase the proportion of women in management positions, especially among scientific personnel in research and teaching. Women with equal qualifications will be given priority. The same applies in the case of under-representation of one gender in the advertised area. Persons with severe disabilities with equal aptitude, competence, and professional performance will be given priority.> Learn more about "Diversity at UKE" here.