Job Description
„Research for a life without cancer“ is our mission at the German Cancer Research Center. We investigate how cancer develops, identify cancer risk factors and look for new cancer prevention strategies. We develop new methods with which tumors can be diagnosed more precisely and cancer patients can be treated more successfully. Every contribution counts – whether in research, administration or infrastructure. This is what makes our daily work so meaningful and exciting.
Together with university partners at seven renowned partner sites, we have established the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK).
To support our OncoRay team (Translational Radiooncology and Clinical Radiotherapy) at the DKTK partner site in Dresden, we are looking for a motivated PhD Student on the topic “Ex vivo biomarker assays for personalized radiotherapy”.
Reference number: 2024-0199
- Work on the development of a clinical assay to predict therapy response for personalized radiooncology
- Perform preclinical experiments using ex vivo models of tumor radiosensitivity (vital tissue slices, organoids), applying photon and proton irradiation in combination with chemo- and targeted therapies
- Perform metabolic assays, prepare and evaluate immune-histological sections to assess treatment response and discover biomarkers for outcome prediction
- Investigate temporal and spatial dynamics of selected biomarkers using advanced image analyses methods and innovative omics-technologies (e. g. spatial transcriptomics, MALDI imaging)
- Translation into clinical application: validate established assays/ promising biomarkers using fresh patient surgical and biopsy specimen
- Work in an interdisciplinary team with strong expertise in translational research and collaborate with clinical scientists: Radiation Oncology, (Digital) Pathology, Surgery
- Master / Diploma in biology, biotechnology, biomedicine or related fields
- Knowledge in tumor / cell biology is desirable
- Basic skills in mammalian cell culture, molecular biology and histological techniques would be advantageous
- Strong interest in translational studies on experimental tumors including readiness to perform in vivo experiments in mice (FELASA B is a plus)
- Experience or willingness to learn to use image analysis software (e. g., Fiji ImageJ, QuPath) as well as programming languages (e. g., Python)
- Good communication skills, strong commitment, motivation and discipline to work independently and efficiently
- Strong team player with affinity to work in highly interdisciplinary and dynamic international environment
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Excellent framework conditions: state-of-the-art equipment and opportunities for international networking at the highest level
- Access to international research networks
- Doctoral salary with the usual social benefits
- 30 days of vacation per year
- Flexible working hours
- Possibility of part-time work
- Family-friendly working environment
- Sustainable travel to work: subsidized Germany job ticket
- Unleash your full potential: targeted training and mentoring through the DKFZ International PhD Program and DKFZ Career Service
- Our Corporate Health Management Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being