PhD Student – „Immunotherapeutic targeting of AML Leukemia-Initiating cells with CAR-T-cells" in Frankfurt am Main bei Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt

(We are targeting applicants of all genders)
Part Time (65%-E13) | limited to 2 years with possibilty of extension | Announcement number: 771-2024

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join our Leukemia Research Group at the Department of Pediatrics (Director: Prof. Jan-Henning Klusmann) and the Department of Experimental Pediatric Hematology & Oncology (Director: Prof. Dirk Heckl). Our joint labs are at the forefront of pediatric leukemia research, focusing on genetic and epigenetic analyses and pioneering innovative molecularly-guided therapeutic approaches.

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• Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly aggressive and challenging form of leukemia, especially in children. Despite advancements in cancer treatment, pediatric AML continues to have a poor prognosis and remains difficult to treat, particularly due to the high risk of relapse and upcoming resistance to conventional therapies. The need for innovative treatment approaches is urgent in order to improve outcomes for these young patients, and cellular immunotherapy is an attractive route to overcome current limitations of classical chemotherapy. However, current targeted (chimeric antigen receptor) cellular immunotherapies are hampered by the lack of specificity for leukemic cells, in particular the leukemia-initiating fraction. In part, this is due to the difficulties in studying this rare cell population, which have been resolved with recent advances in single-cell OMICS.
• This PhD project aims to characterize the leukemia-initiating population in pediatric AML with flow cytometry-based enrichment combined with cutting-edge single-cell transcriptomics and proteomics as a basis for the development of targeted CAR-T-cell immunotherapies. The project will characterize persistent AML clones during treatment and remission, which can give rise to lethal relapse, identify their cell surface profile, and design and test CAR constructs towards the development of preclinical immunotherapy testing. Noteworthy, innovative patient-derived xenograft models and the integration into the German AML study group emphasize the translational potential of the project.
• The anticipated outcomes of this research will not only deepen our understanding of the step-wise progression of pediatric AML, but will also advance the development of new therapies capable of eradicating persistent cancer cells, potentially transforming treatment options for AML.

• Master’s degree in life sciences or equivalent
• Passion for discovery of novel therapy approaches and epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation
• Collaborative spirit & good communication skills
• Experience in basic laboratory techniques (i.e. molecular biology, flow cytometry etc.)
• Proficiency in spoken and written English
• Due to legal regulations, valid proof of measles immunity / measles vaccination is required.

• Collective agreement: In addition to an attractive salary based on a collective agreement with an annual special payment, you benefit from long-term security through company pension schemes
• Collaborative spirit:Experience in basic laboratory techniques (i.e. molecular biology, flow cytometry etc.), Proficiency in spoken and written English, Excellent scientific environment & dedicated mentoring, Training in novel cutting-edge techniques to study epigenetic mechanisms in leukemia cells, Collaboration opportunities with national & international world-leading laboratories, Participation in training and qualification programs of the MSNZ and the Goethe University
• Mobility: Free public transport in all Hessen (Free State Ticket Hessen)
• 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
• 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
• Health Promotion: Benefit from our attractive health offers. We offer regular online and face-to-face courses on nutrition, relaxation, sports and exercise.
• Professional development: Internal and external training for your professional development
• Any questions? Many answers can be found in our FAQs for new employees. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Women are underrepresented in these positions at the University Hospital Frankfurt. Applications from women are therefore particularly welcome. Disabled applicants are preferred if they have the same personal and