PhD Student (65%) in Translational Cancer Immunotherapy (m/f/d)

PLACE OF WORK	Campus Innenstadt
WORKING HOURS	Full time
ESTABLISHMENT	Kinderklinik und Kinderpoliklinik im Dr. von Haunerschen Kinderspital
AREA	Hematology/Oncology
DATE OF ENTRY	At the earliest possible date
APPLICATION DEADLINE	Promptly
REFERENCE NUMBER	2021-K-0411

The Hospital of the University of Munich, Germany, is one of the largest and most competitive university hospitals in Germany and Europe. 48 specialized hospitals, departments and institutions harbouring excellent research and education provide patient care at the highest medical level with around 11.000 employees.

Scope of duties

The focus of our group is the development of new T-cell therapies for infectious and malignant disease. Novel T-cell engineering approaches are subjected to in vitro and in vivo analysis in order to proceed to preclinical testing and GMP-grade upscale.

Currently, we develop novel chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells for pediatric leukemia. On the one side, we equip e.g. CD19 CAR T-cells with additional (synthetic) genes to increase persistence; on the other side, we develop CAR molecules against novel leukemia targets. To that end, we use cell culture methodology and molecular biology methodology – as e.g. isolation of primary cells, flow cytometry, molecular cloning, CRISPR/Cas9, in vitro functionality assays. Parts of the offered project will involve mouse experiments.

Next to this, as we are part of the department for pediatric hematology / oncology where we treat leukemia patients with CAR T-cells, our work involves working with patient samples. Here, we recently identified a new major risk factor for leukemia reacurrence in pediatric preB-ALL patients (Blaeschke et al., Leukemia, 2020). In several projects, we are taking advantage of such findings to design next-generation CD19 CAR T-cells for pediatric leukemia patients.

Our requirements

• M.Sc. in biology, biomedicine, molecular biology or similar
• Experience in cell culture or molecular biology is appreciated
• Knowledge in immunology, ideally in T-cell biology
• An independent working attitude and initiative for the project is appreciated
• A team player who is enthusiastic about T-cell based cancer immunotherapy

Our offer

• A solid and detailed training in all methods required
• The possibility to develop and train personal skills and interests, also in the context of the SFB TRR 338 in which the offered project is based (graduate school, methodology courses, social events, retreats)
• A young and enthusiastic team with access to patient samples from the Hauner Children’s Hospital and collaborations with numerous partners in Munich
• Salary based on German public service scale (65%) in a temporary contract (initial period of 2 years, possibility of extension for another 2 years)
• Applications will be considered until the position is filled

More information.

Application address

LMU Clinic
Dr. von Haunersches Kinderspital
Abteilung Pädiatrische Hämatologie und Onkologie
Prof. Tobias Feuchtinger
Lindwurmstr.
80337 Munich

Disabled persons will be preferentially considered in case of equal qualification. Presentation costs cannot be refunded.