PhD Student in Translational Cancer Biology

The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) is one of Europe’s largest cancer research centers. “Research for a life without cancer" is the mission of our world-class scientists and all our team members.

The DKFZ is a place where the brightest minds pursue bold ideas and seek answers to pioneering scientific questions through collaboration, innovation, and exploration across many disciplines. We provide a dynamic environment that empowers excellence with state-of-the-art technologies, cutting-edge infrastructure, and a global scientific network.

Contribute your knowledge, vision, and dedication to create a space where scientific discovery in cancer research is transformed into benefits for human health.

Together with selected university partner sites, the DKFZ has established the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) . The alliance between the DKFZ as the core center and the university partner sites in Berlin, Dresden, Essen/Düsseldorf, Frankfurt/Mainz, Freiburg, Heidelberg, Munich, and Tübingen operates joint translation centers at the University Medical Centers of each of the selected partner sites. The DKTK contributes significantly to filling the translational gap between basic and clinical cancer research, thereby developing new strategies for personalized oncology in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. DKTK conducts transformative translational cancer research, educates the next generation of translation-oriented medical and clinical scientists and establishes strong pipelines towards clinical cancer research and the economy.

For the Department of Translational Oncology at the DKTK partner site Munich , we are seeking, starting in November 2026, a

PhD Student in Translational Cancer Biology

Reference number: 2026-0152

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join an innovative research project investigating the molecular mechanisms that drive small cell lung cancer (SCLC) progression, metastasis and therapy resistance.
Our research aims to understand how MYC-dependent transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of enhancer networks shapes gene expression programs that drive tumor progression, metastasis and therapy response in small cell lung cancer. By combining mechanistic studies with patient-derived models and clinically relevant preclinical systems, we seek to identify novel therapeutic vulnerabilities that can ultimately improve treatment options for patients with SCLC.
The project integrates state-of-the-art molecular biology, functional genomics and cancer models with computational analysis of large-scale sequencing datasets. The primary focus of the PhD project is experimental laboratory research.
The successful candidate will become part of the DKFZ International PhD Program () and will work in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment with access to outstanding research infrastructure and core facilities at both the DKFZ and Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich.
The Department of Translational Oncology is located at the LMU Klinikum Großhadern.

Your Tasks

• Perform molecular biology, cell biology and biochemical experiments using human and murine SCLC models
• Apply CRISPR-based genome engineering and functional screening approaches
• Establish and characterize advanced three-dimensional cancer models
• Work with genetically engineered mouse models
• Integrate and interpret multi-omics datasets, including bulk RNA sequencing, single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, ChIP-seq and ATAC sequencing
• Present research findings at national and international conferences and contribute to high-impact scientific publications

Your Profile

• Master's degree in molecular medicine, human biology, biochemistry, biology or a related life science discipline
• Strong interest in translational cancer research and molecular mechanisms of gene regulation
• Practical experience in molecular biology and mammalian cell culture
• Interest in working with mouse models is desirable
• Interest in learning computational approaches for the analysis of genomic datasets (basic experience desirable)
• Independent, highly motivated and team-oriented working style
• Excellent written and spoken English
  

What makes this position special:

• A fully funded 3-year PhD position within the DKFZ International PhD Program
• An exciting translational research project addressing clinically relevant questions in small cell lung cancer
• Access to cutting-edge technologies, including CRISPR-based genome engineering, next-generation sequencing, advanced imaging and organoid models
• Close supervision and mentoring in an international, collaborative research environment
• Access to excellent core facilities at both DKFZ Heidelberg and LMU Munich
• Opportunities to present your work at international conferences and participate in collaborations with leading cancer research groups

We Offer

• 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 mobile work and 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

Contact:
Dr. Lisa Fröhlich
Phone: +49 89 4400-43962

The position is initially limited to 3 years.

Application Deadline: August 11, 2026

Applications by e-mail cannot be accepted.
Please also note that we cannot return applications submitted by post.

Are you interested?

Then become part of the DKFZ and join us in contributing to a life without cancer!

We are convinced that an innovative research and working environment thrives on the diversity of its employees. Therefore, we welcome applications from talented people, regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical ability, religion and age. People with severe disabilities are given preference if they have the same aptitude.

Notice: We are subject to the regulations of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG). Therefore, all our employees must provide proof of immunity against measles.

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Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum | Im Neuenheimer Feld 280 | 69120 Heidelberg |

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