Ph.D. Student (Research fellow junior) Research Institute Children’s Cancer Center Hamburg, research group Developmental Neurobiology and Paediatric Neuro-oncology bei UKE Universitätsklinikum Hamburg Eppendorf

Main tasks

• At the research institute at the UKE there is a vacancy for a research associate in the research group developmental neurobiology and paediatric neurooncology (head Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schüller, https://kinderkrebs-forschung.de/en/research/brain tumors) to 01.10.2023. In principle, a later start is conceivable. Participation in the structured PhD programme of the faculty is possible.
• In the working group, you can expect a motivated and dynamic team of doctors, natural scientists, bioinformaticians, technical assistants and students who are investigating childhood brain tumors within the framework of different projects and with different approaches.
• An exciting project awaits you in which we would like to further develop the molecular diagnostics of brain tumor patients from minimally invasive liquid biopsies (cerebrospinal fluid, blood plasma). This is done by isolating small amounts of cell-free circulating tumor DNA, in which we identify genetic changes and epigenetic characteristics of the tumor. Using innovative sequencing technologies, we are planning to precisely assign brain tumors to molecular classes preoperatively and to identify therapeutic targets. Furthermore, we want to monitor patients better and thus detect and treat minimal residual disease or recurrences as early as possible. These analyses are performed on samples that are sent daily from the departments of paediatric oncology and neurosurgery and also from numerous clinics throughout Germany to the Institute of Neuropathology, which - together with Prof. Schüller as senior physician - serves as the national reference centre for CSF diagnostics in paediatric brain tumors.
• For this work, you can expect a helpful team, a detailed introduction and appropriate supervision throughout the entire period of the doctorate.

Your Profile

• University degree of natural science and/or bioinformatics (e.g. molecular medicine, biology, biochemistry, computational biology)
• Ideally programming skills (e.g. R) as well as knowledge with omics data and the application of bioinformatics methods
• Ideally knowledge of basic methods of molecular biology
• Strong interest in science with the intention to stay in research
• Commitment, ability to coordinate and organise, quick comprehension, independence, ability to work in a team
• Ability to prepare, present and publish scientific data
• Candidates with equivalent skills and experience and high interest in the research area described are also welcome to apply

Immunity status

Our Offer

• University degree of natural science and/or bioinformatics (e.g. molecular medicine, biology, biochemistry, computational biology)