Doctoral student position (PhD) (all genders) in Tumor Immunology in the Department of Gynecology

In recent years cancer immunotherapy has become an important part of treatment in various cancer types. Most well-known are therapies targeting the immune check-points PD-L1/PD-1 and CLTA-4. As part of a German Cancer Aid (Deutsche Krebshilfe) funded project we are looking for a highly motivated PhD student to study the expression and regulatory function of a newly identified signalling molecule that possibly plays a role in the PD-L1/PD1 check-point inhibition pathway in lymphocytes involved in anti-tumor immunity.

Your tasks:

• The project aims to understand the regulation and broader signalling platform of a newly identified signalling molecule in the PD-L1/PD-1 pathway. The experimental approach to succeed in this includes in vitro cell culture of human and mouse immune cells and in vivo tumor models.
• Diverse experimental methods, such as high-dimensional flow cytometry, single cell RNA Sequencing, proteomics and multiplex assays for the detection of a.o. cytokines and animal tumor models will be employed.
• You will be tasked with the conception, planning of experiments and their execution as well as the analysis and documentation of experiments, literature review, scientific writing and presentation of your results.

The position is temporary for three years in accordance with the WissZeitVG and to be filled with 65 % of the regular weekly working hours.

• excellent master’s degree or equivalent in biology, biochemistry, molecular life sciences, infection biology or a related subject
• sound immunological and cell skills and knowledge
• broad interest in Tumor Immunology
• any experience with flow cytometry and/or preclinical animal models is beneficial
• highly motivated to independently conduct experiments, including planning, analysis and interpretation
• good written and oral communication skills in English
• committed to teamwork and collaboration

• Attractive pay according to TVöD/VKA
• Crisis-proof workplace, meaningful work, respectful cooperation
• Structured induction and open exchange of knowledge within the team
• Extensive training and further education programs at our UKE Academy for Education and Careers
• Opportunities to help shape our “UKE INside” personnel policy in cross-professional and cross-hierarchical projects
• Sustainable travel: subsidies for the Deutschlandticket as a job ticket and Dr. Bike bicycle service
• Family-friendly working environment: cooperation on childcare, free vacation childcare, advice for employees with relatives in need of care
• Excellent health, prevention and sports programs
• Our staff restaurant offers a wide range of culinary options; further options are available in the “Health Kitchen” cafés and bistros and in a supermarket directly on the premises

We live diversity and value variety

We offer a work environment providing 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 disability with equal aptitude, competence and professional performance will be given priority. 

> Learn more about "Diversity at UKE" here.