PhD position in the SFB Transregio 221
The research project is part of the SFB-TRR221 in the third funding period from 1st Jan 2026. In our project, we employ CAR T cells to target HLA-restricted antigens, enabling selective targeting of AML blasts.

Your Tasks
The PhD project is focused on the engineering, optimization, and in vivoevaluation of advanced adapter CAR technologies for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia in the allogeneic stem cell transplantation setting. Various CAR constructs and adapter-molecule formats will be generated and characterizedin vitro for cytotoxicity, cytokine production, effector cell proliferation, CAR T cell immunophenotype, longevity, and fitness. Most promising CAR and adapter molecule candidates will be selected for in vivoevaluation. The program will elucidate the use of disparate HLA-types to selectively enhance the targeting of leukemic blasts posttransplant. The work is conducted at the Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (LIT) as part of a thriving, interdisciplinary scientific ecosystem, in close collaboration with other research groups at the LIT and with clinical partners at the UKR. We aim to deliver a translational CAR technology for clinical use.

We are seeking a highly motivated and curious doctoral candidate (M/F/D) with a strong interest in T cell immunology, protein and CAR engineering, molecular biology, and in vivo work using murine xenograft models. Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in biology, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field. Experience with human T cells and cancer cells, molecular biology, and/or animal models (FELASA B certificate) are advantageous but not mandatory. We are looking for an independent, analytical, and creative researcher with excellent communication skills in English, a collaborative mindset, and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary and translational research in an international environment.

We offer
This project will be conducted in the Clinical Cooperation Group, Pediatric Gene and Cell Therapy (Patrick Schlegel) at the LIT in collaboration with the LIT Lab, T-cell Therapy (Simone Thomas), and Wolfgang Herr (spokesperson of the CRC/TRR221). We offer a stimulating, supportive, and international environment where you can develop your scientific skills and professional potential within a diverse, collaborative research community at the LIT and the CRC Transregio 221.

The appointment will be on a temporary full-time basis for a maximum duration of 48 months (PhD position) from January 2026 or later.