PhD Student in Translational Cancer Biology

PhD Student in Translational Cancer Biology

Reference number: 2026-0152

• München
• Full-time
• DKTK partner site Munich - Department of Translational Oncology

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 which 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 . 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

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 (https://www.dkfz.de/en/career/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