PhD Student in Functional Cancer Genomics

„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).

For the Division of Cancer Research at the DKTK partner site Freiburg we are seeking from January 2025 a PhD Student in Functional Cancer Genomics.

Reference number: 2024-0313 

The Division of Cancer Research at the University Medical Center Freiburg is focused on functional cancer genomics and especially the high-throughput characterization of mutations in cancer genes for their impact on tumorigenesis, signaling activation and targeted therapy response (e.g. Nat Commun 2019, Nat Cell Biol 2020, Nat Commun 2024, Nat Genet 2024).

The method spectrum in our lab ranges from innovative techniques from molecular and cell biology like diverse CRISPR techniques (Nucleic Acids Res 2017, Hepatology 2018) or RNA-Protein complex identification (Nature 2015, Mol Cell 2019, Nat Protoc 2020) to applications in bioinformatics and biochemistry. Our lab in Freiburg is newly equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation.

We are seeking a graduate student with a strong background in molecular biology and a strong interest in cancer research. The core project of the PhD student will be the functional characterization and analysis of genetic alterations in cancer in high throughput. Research questions will include the mutational impact at the cellular and molecular level and their mechanistic consequences. Innovative approaches using CRISPR site-directed mutagenesis shall unravel their impact on human cells. Comprehensive resources as well as established protocols to build on are available.

You are a highly motivated, ambitious student with a good degree in a life science field and are eager to pursue research projects in functional tumor genetics and molecular biology of cancer, including high-throughput approaches and precision genome editing, with ambition, creativity, independence and team spirit. You work efficiently, goal-oriented and accurate, have a deep interest in research and are proficient in English.

Please submit your application documents in one single PDF via the DKFZ job portal.

• 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