PhD Student in Mutational Processes Driving Somatic Evolution
“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, the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) has established the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK).
For the DKTK partner site Munich , we are seeking for the next possible date a
PhD Student in Mutational Processes Driving Somatic Evolution
Reference number: 2025-0224
From cigarette smoke and UV radiation to chemotherapeutic cancer treatments, the cells in our bodies are constantly struck by exogenous agents that damage our DNA. The processes that evolved to repair and tolerate damage are responsible for many of the mutations that cause cancer and treatment resistance. But their dynamics, the molecular machinery involved, and their role in disease are still poorly understood. This is where you come in.
The newly established Cancer Systems Biology lab of Dr. Craig Anderson is searching for an enthusiastic PhD student to play a principal role in understanding how DNA damage leads to mutational heterogeneity across our bodies and over the course of our lives.
The lab is situated in the Department of Translational Oncology at the DKTK partner site at the LMU Klinikum, Munich. DKTK is a multi-location collaboration between DKFZ and leading university medical centres, so you stand to benefit from the combined opportunities that come from being part of some of Germany’s finest research institutes.
Munich itself is a beautiful and centrally located city, offering all the trappings of a modern lifestyle. It provides easy access to other cities and green spaces across the region, regularly scoring highly across indices for happiness and quality of life.
Relevant work:Anderson CJ et al. Strand-resolved mutagenicity of DNA damage and repair. 2024. Nature 630: 744.
Nicholson MD, Anderson CJ, et al. DNA lesion bypass and the stochastic dynamics of transcription coupled repair. 2024. PNAS 121: 20.
Aitken SJ, Anderson CJ, et al. Pervasive lesion segregation shapes cancer genome evolution. 2020. Nature, 582: 7815.
Get in touch to find out more, or apply today!You will benefit from:
- Access to world-class training and mentorship
- Involvement in cutting-edge research
- Opportunities to contribute towards publication and peer review
- Dedicated funding for international conference attendance
- A supportive, flexible and collaborative working environment
Your Tasks:
Dr. Anderson has been a central figure in the discovery that DNA damage is heritable, and you’ll build on this work by using molecular methods to unravel the forces that modulate mutagenesis across the genome of mutagen-exposed cancer cells. You’ll be introduced to advanced statistical and computational methods for analysis of the data you create. Your findings will be a vital part of understanding the evolution of cancer drug resistance in cell models and in patients.
About you:
- You’re excited about our research-driven to take a deep dive into the unknown.
- You’re extremely capable, using creativity and ingenuity to rise to new challenges.
- You’ve got an excellent M.Sc. degree in cancer genetics, molecular biology, or similar.
- You have laboratory experience and an interest in developing your bioinformatic skills.
- You have very good written and oral communication skills in English.
Requirements:
The position requires an excellent understanding of molecular biology, with demonstrable experience in the use of CRISPR in mouse or human cells. You must be capable of working independently to confidently manage your own day-to-day research across laboratory experiments and bioinformatic analyses concurrently. You should be able to show evidence of working collaboratively, with respect for diversity among your colleagues and the institutional positions held. The working language in the lab is English, and you must have an outstanding ability to communicate with your colleagues in the department. You also need to communicate your research clearly through publication, in meetings, with collaborators, and in presentations at national and international conferences. You should see the value in working safely and in maintaining accurate records. Above all, you need to have a can-do attitude driving you to learn, adapt and succeed.
Desirable skills or willingness to learn to include:
Toxicant exposure; experience in short- and long-read sequencing; computational and statistical analyses; a good mechanistic understanding of how cells replicate their DNA and respond to DNA damage.
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 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. Craig Anderson
Phone:
The position is initially limited to 3 years.
Application Deadline: 10.09.2025
Applications by e-mail cannot be accepted.
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 |
Company
About the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)
The German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ) is Germany’s largest biomedical research institute and a member of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers . Over 3,200 staff members from 88 nations are dedicated to performing and driving cutting edge research for a life without cancer. Organized in more than 100 divisions and research groups, the focus of our 1,400 scientists is to unravel the causes and mechanisms of cancer development and progression, and to develop novel strategies for the diagnosis, early detection, prevention and treatment of cancer though innovative translational research.
Scientists at the DKFZ have received the most prestigious academic awards, including Prof. Harald zur Hausen , awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2008 for his pioneering work on Human Papilloma Viruses (HPV),and Prof. Stefan Hell , who received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his research on super-resolution imaging.
The DKFZ core site is located in Heidelberg , the “ City of Science ”, which is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Germany with a highly international community: An estimated 56,000 of Heidelberg’s 160,000 inhabitants have an international background – many of whom are scientists or students.
Research Topics and Scientific Collaborations
The DKFZ is an international leader in a number of research areas including stem cell research, bioinformatics and systems biology, cancer genomics, neurooncology, pediatric oncology, cancer prevention, tumor immunology, virology, radiooncology and medical image analysis. The interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment at the DKFZ also results in excellent opportunities for computational and data scientists with interest in biomedical applications.
Research at the DKFZ is organized into six research programs :
On the mission for a life without cancer, the DKFZ collaborates with renowned clinical and research institutions at the local, national and international level . A key goal is to continuously strengthen translational research activities with the aim of sustainably advancing state-of-the-art clinical cancer research in Germany and thereby improving the treatment outcomes and quality of life of cancer patients. Together with University Hospital partners across Germany, the DKFZ established the National Centers for Tumor Diseases (NCT) as leading Comprehensive Cancer Centers in Germany, as well as the Hopp Childrens’ Tumor Center (KiTZ) in Heidelberg with a specific focus on pediatric oncology. Within the German Cancer Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK) , research institutions and university hospitals at eight partner locations collaborate with the DKFZ, the core center of the DKTK, to speed up the transfer of successful cancer research into clinical practice. Furthermore, the HI-TRON in Mainz is a cooperative effort to make full use of the potential of individualized immunotherapy.
Training Programs and Career Development
Talent management and career development are central parts of DKFZ’s mission to maintain scientific excellence. The DKFZ places strong emphasis on the international recruitment and comprehensive training of excellent scientists, specifically welcoming diverse and international backgrounds.
Dedicated programs train young scientists and clinicians and prepare them for their next career step:
The DKFZ has developed programs to support the reconciliation of family and careers at all levels and international employees are supported by the International Staff Services in the planning, preparation and realization of their stay in Heidelberg.
Innovation Management
The DKFZ builds on strong Innovation Management to foster the development of innovative preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic products for maximum societal benefit. It facilitates technology transfer through licensing and support of spin-off companies. Recent examples include iOmx Therapeutics , Apogenix and mtm laboratories. The DKFZ also has strong collaborations with industry partners, such as Bayer Healthcare , Bosch , SAP and Siemens .
Company info
- Telephone
- +49 (0) 6221 420
- Location
- Im Neuenheimer Feld 280
Heidelberg
Baden-Württemberg
D-69120
DE
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