JETZT BEWERBEN

PhD Position – “Molecular Precision Medicine for Hormone-Driven Cancers” group

Anstellungsart: Phd, Habilitation
Arbeitsmodell: Full Time
Ausschreibungsnummer: 2218865

...you're in the middle of it

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join our „Molecular Precision Medicine for Hormone-Driven Cancers" research group at the Department of Urology (Director: Prof. Felix Chun) and the Mildred Scheel Career Center (MSNZ) Frankfurt, an excellence program supporting careers in translational cancer research (funded by the German Cancer Aid). The lab, headed by Dr. Anne Fassl, specializes in developing novel strategies for targeted therapies in prostate and breast cancer. The position is initially limited to three years, with the possibility of extension.

Project description:
Advanced prostate cancer is characterized by extensive genetic heterogeneity and a profoundly altered tumor immune microenvironment, both of which contribute to disease progression and therapy resistance. Emerging evidence suggests that genetic alterations critically shape immune evasion and immune suppression likely explaining the limited efficacy of immunotherapy in prostate cancer that has been observed to date. The mechanisms linking genetics to immune modulation in advanced disease remain poorly understood.

This PhD project aims to dissect the interplay between genetics and the immune microenvironment in advanced prostate cancer using complementary in vitro, in vivo, and patient-derived approaches. The student will investigate how specific genetic alterations influence immune cell recruitment, activation, and function that shape the response to targeted prostate cancer therapies. Analyses of human tumor samples will be integrated with mechanistic studies in preclinical models of advanced prostate cancer.

The project will combine molecular profiling of tumor cells with immune characterization using flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and transcriptomic approaches. Functional in vitro immune cell assays will be employed to study tumor–immune interactions under controlled conditions, while in vivo experiments will allow validation of key mechanisms. Overall, this project seeks to identify genetic drivers of immune suppression or activation and to provide a mechanistic framework for genetically informed immunomodulatory strategies in advanced prostate cancer.

...your skills are what we're looking for

Master’s degree in life sciences, e.g. biology, biochemistry, molecular medicine, immunology, or an equivalent qualification
Practical experience with immune cell assays and multi-color flow cytometry
Solid hands-on experience in basic laboratory techniques, including molecular biology and mammalian tissue culture
Interest in tumor biology, immunology, and the molecular mechanisms of cancer
Basic experience with data analysis or bioinformatics is considered a plus
High level of motivation, scientific curiosity, and passion for discovery-driven research
Interactive personality with a collaborative spirit and strong communication skills
Careful documentation of experimental work and a structured approach to data management
Excellent command of spoken and written English
Due to legal regulations, a valid proof of measles immunity / measles vaccination is required.

...you'll be offered a lot

In addition to an attractive salary based on a collective agreement TV-G-U E13 (65%) with an annual special payment, you benefit from long-term security through company pension schemes
An excellent and interdisciplinary scientific environment with dedicated supervision and mentoring
Comprehensive training in both fundamental laboratory techniques and state-of-the-art experimental methods
Opportunities for collaboration with nationally and internationally renowned research groups
Participation in training, qualification and career development programs of the MSNZ and the Goethe University
Participation in conferences, workshops, and scientific networking activities
Internal and external training for your professional development
We offer childcare in our daycare center (if you have any questions, please contact UKF-Familienservice), child care during holidays
Uniklinik-Campus, Mensa, Cafés
Free public transport in all Hessen (Free State Ticket Hessen)
Benefit from our attractive health offers. We offer regular online and face-to-face courses on nutrition, relaxation, sports and exercise
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It's time to join our team!

Contact: Dr. Anne Fassl
E-Mail: anne.fassl@unimedizin-ffm.de
Deadline: March 15, 2026

Please submit your application including your CV, motivation statement and contact information of 2 references.

We are targeting applicants of all genders and nationalities. Applicants with handicap will be preferred if personal and professional skills are equivalent.

JETZT BEWERBEN

… sind Sie mittendrin in der Medizin von morgen

Genau hier sind Sie mittendrin in der Medizin von morgen. Die Universitätsmedizin Frankfurt gehört zu den führenden Universitätskliniken in Deutschland. Bei uns ziehen über 8.500 Menschen aus über 100 Nationen an einem Strang. Aus Wissen wird Gesundheit – das ist dabei unser täglicher Antrieb. Denn wir verbinden Krankenversorgung mit Forschung und Lehre, begrüßen den Fortschritt und entwickeln uns selbst immer weiter. So leisten wir einen wichtigen Beitrag für die Gesundheit und die Lebensqualität von über 500.000 Patientinnen und Patienten jährlich: kompetent, gewissenhaft und mit Leidenschaft.