PhD student (f/m/d) in the field of Molecular Oncology

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an exceptionally aggressive and lethal cancer with limited therapeutic options. The oncogene MYC is a central driver of PDAC initiation and progression. Beyond promoting tumor cell proliferation, MYC actively shapes the tumor ecosystem to favor immune evasion (Krenz et al., 2021; Gaballa et al., 2024; Krenz et al., 2024). MYC-driven tumors suppress anti-tumor immunity by excluding and disabling immune effector cells. In parallel, MYC rewires tumor metabolism, creating intense competition for nutrients within the tumor microenvironment. This metabolic competition impairs immune cell function and persistence. Our goal is to understand how MYC orchestrates immune evasion and metabolic dominance in PDAC. By dissecting these mechanisms, we aim to identify strategies to restore immune function and overcome tumor resilience.

Our offer

• cutting-edge research in an established research group
• excellent networking and collaboration opportunities at the Biocenter Würzburg
• Full-time appointment for 3-years, salary (TV-L, 65%), fixed-term, extension possible
• Enrolment in the Graduate School of Life Science with broad research and skills training
• Part of the Mildred Scheel Nachwuchszentrum (MSNZ) for Cancer Research Close collaborations with the Comprehensive Cancer Centre, the University Hospital, the Max Planck Institute for Systems Immunology

Your profile

• Excellent Master in biology, biomedicine, biochemistry or related discipline
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within the group Skills in basic molecular, biochemical and cell culture techniques (such as DNA cloning, real-time PCR methods, gel electrophoresis, flow-cytometry, SDS-PAGE, cell culture methods) are desired

We welcome applications from suitably qualified people regardless of race, gender or disability. The University aims to increase the proportion of female employees, therefore applications from qualified women are particularly welcome. Preference will be given to people with disabilities in the case of otherwise equal aptitude. Working language is English, knowledge of the German language can be beneficial, but is not required.

If you would like to know more about the project, please get in touch with Dr. Bastian Krenz (bastian.krenz@uni-wuerzburg.de).

Please send your application (CV, letter of motivation, relevant degree certificates and academic transcripts as well as contact details of 2 independent references, one of the referees should be the Master’s thesis supervisor)

as a single PDF file via email to