We are seeking a highly motivated PhD Student to join our "Quantitative Spatial Cancer Biology" research group at the Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology 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. Konstantinos Kokkaliaris, specializes in hematopoietic stem-cell biology and bone marrow tissue organization in health, aging and cancer. We use innovative single-cell protein profiling technologies including cutting-edge multiplex 3D tissue imaging, multicolor flow cytometry and mass cytometry. The focus of the lab is to better understand tissue organization in homeostasis, aging and disease as well as further develop multiplex tissue imaging modalities. We are looking for a candidate interested in deciphering the cross-talk mechanisms through which pre-malignant cells interact and prime their local tissue microenvironment to favor disease transformation at the expense of healthy tissue function using singe-cell technologies and in vivo models. Further information on the lab can be found here: https://www.kokkaliarislab.com/

Project Description:

The project aims to define the key cellular, molecular and structural alterations in the bone marrow in pre-malignant conditions. We will focus on targetable interactions between pre-malignant cells and their spatial tumor microenvironment(s) to bypass malignant transformation, while enhancing healthy tissue function. Our goal is to leverage those findings towards designing and functional validation of novel therapeutic intervention strategies for longer disease-free survival against hematologic conditions that often leading to acute myeloid leukemia (i.e. clonal hematopoiesis).

Relevant Publications:

Hofmann J. and Kokkaliaris KD. Bone marrow niches for hematopoietic stem cells: life span dynamics and adaptation to acute stress. Blood. 2020; 144 (1): 21–34.

Kokkaliaris KD and Scadden DT. Cell interactions in the bone marrow microenvironment affecting myeloid malignancies. Blood Advances. 4(15):3795-3803. (Cover story)

Kokkaliaris KD*, Kunz L, Cabezas-Wallscheid N, Christodoulou C, Renders S, Camargo F, Trumpp A, Scadden DT, Schroeder T*. Adult blood stem cell localization reflects the abundance of reported bone marrow niche cell types and their combinations. Blood. 2020; 136(20):2296-2307. *co-corresponding authors (Cover story)

Coutu D+, Kokkaliaris KD+, Kunz L+, Schroeder T. Multicolor quantitative confocal imaging cytometry. Nature Methods, 2018; 15: 39-46. +co-first authors

Coutu D+, Kokkaliaris KD+, Kunz L, Schroeder T. Three-dimensional map of nonhematopoietic bone and bone-marrow cells and molecules. Nature Biotechnology, 2017; 35(12):1202-1210. +co-first authors (Cover story)

• Master’s degree in life sciences, biology or equivalent
• Experience in basic laboratory techniques (i.e. molecular biology)
• Passion for discovery, collaborative spirit & good communication skills
• Previous experience in immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry and imaging is a plus
• Felasa accreditation or previous experience with animal models is a plus
• Proficiency in spoken and written English
• Due to legal regulations, valid proof of measles immunity / measles vaccination is required

• Scientific Environment: Excellent scientific environment & dedicated mentoring, training on cutting-edge single-cell technologies
• Collaboration: Collaboration opportunities with national & international expert laboratories
• Mobility: Free public transport in all Hessen (Free State Ticket Hessen)
• Training: Participation in training and qualification programs of the MSNZ and the Goethe University
• Collective agreement: The position (65% - E 13) is initially limited for 3 years with the possibility for extension
• Work-Life-Balance: Part-time employment is possible, we offer childcare in our daycare center (if you have any questions, please contact UKF-Familienservice), child care during holidays
• Campus: Our attractive university hospital campus offers a modern cafeteria, various cafes, and opportunities to rest in numerous green spaces. A walk on the riverside of the Main offers relaxation during breaks
• Health Promotion: Benefit from our attractive health offers. We offer regular online and face-to-face courses on nutrition, relaxation, sports and exercise.

Contact: Dr. Konstantinos Kokkaliaris
Email: kokkaliaris@med.uni-frankfurt.de Twitter/X: @kd_kokkaliaris
Application Deadline: 31.08.2025

Please submit your application online including your CV, degrees/transcripts of records, short motivation statement (1 page maximum) and one reference letter.

We welcome applications from candidates of all genders. Women are currently underrepresented in these positions at Universitätsmedizin Frankfurt. Therefore, applications from women are especially encouraged. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration in cases of equal personal and professional qualifications.