PhD Student - Immunotherapy/Optical CRISPR Screens/Spatial Transcriptomics

Reference number: 2026-0203

• Heidelberg
• Full-time
• Pediatric Immuno-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.

For our Junior Research Group Pediatric Immuno-Oncology (led by Dr. Dr. Franziska Blaeschke) we are seeking, starting in January 2027, a

Our group uses advanced genetic engineering and high-throughput CRISPR screens to improve CAR- and TCR-based immunotherapies. This project explores how highly effective anti-tumor immune cells can be identified and enhanced to better fight cancer. By combining functional screening (e.g., genome-wide CRISPR screens), cutting-edge cell engineering (e.g., AAV-based knockins, base editing), and innovative imaging and sequencing technologies (e.g., NIS-seq, spatial transcriptomics/proteomics), we aim to uncover key features of the most powerful anti-tumor T cells ("elite” immune cells) and translate these insights into next-generation immunotherapies.
The work will include a large variety of experimental methods and models (in vitro and in vivo), in close collaboration with the groups of Prof. Dr. Adelheid Cerwenka (Department of Immunobiochemistry, Medical Faculty Mannheim of Heidelberg University), Prof. Dr. Joachim Spatz (Department of Cellular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute), Prof. Dr. Nina Papavasiliou (Division of Immune Diversity, DKFZ), Prof. Dr. Michael Platten (Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology at DKFZ and Department of Neurology at the University Medical Center Mannheim), and Dr. Vibor Laketa (Infectious Diseases Imaging Platform, UKHD). Together, the project seeks to define and build next-generation immune cells with enhanced therapeutic potential.

Your Tasks

• Establishing new experimental protocols and optimizing technologies (e.g., NIS-seq, spatial CRISPR screens)
• Working on computational approaches to read out CRISPR screens, imaging and sequencing data (e.g., spatial transcriptomics/proteomics)
• Designing and performing complex experiments involving a large number of methods (e.g., cloning, CRISPR/Cas9, viral transduction, AAV generation, flow cytometry, microfluidics systems, next-generation sequencing, microscopy, xenograft and syngeneic models, primary cell culture, functional analyses such as cytokine release, proliferation, cytotoxicity assays etc.)
• Staying up to date with scientific literaturePresenting your research on a regular basis within the group, the DKFZ/KiTZ and externally
• Preparing grants, patents, and publications

Your Profile

• Completed studies with a diploma or master's degree in biology, bioengineering, biomedical science, biochemistry, bioinformatics, or other relevant fields
• Previous experience in coding and single-cell or spatial transcriptomics/proteomics is preferred
• Excellent communication skills and social competence
• Team player who is motivated to closely work with collaboration partners within the institute and beyond
• Strong laboratory and writing skills
• Willingness to lead and perform in vivo studies
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken)
• High level of enthusiasm, motivation, and responsibility
• Deep interest in planning, conducting, and analyzing experiments in a systematic and independent way
• Effective time management and organizational skills

Please submit a motivation letter (1 page) and a CV (including a publication list and contact information of two references) in one single PDF.

We Offer

Are you interested?

Then become part of the DKFZ and join us in contributing to a life without cancer!

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