Research Associate (PhD student) in Translational Melanoma Research (f/m/d) / 13614 / Clinic for Der

Research Associate (PhD student) in Translational Melanoma Research (f/m/d) / 13614 / Clinic for Der

• Biologe/Biologin
• Opportunity to conduct high-level interdisciplinary research within the newly established DFG-funded Collaborative Research Centre, investigating the earliest mechanisms of therapy resistance in melanoma during the first days and weeks after therapy initiation
• Work in Project A01 “Modelling the molecular determinants of intrinsic drug resistance in melanoma”
• Investigation of metabolic regulators of macrophages in melanoma
• Characterization of plasma membrane lipid composition and drug permeability in melanoma persister cells
• Establishment and application of 2D and 3D melanoma culture systems as well as patient‑derived melanoma models
• CRISPR/Cas9‑based genetic engineering and lineage tracing approaches
• Lipidomics, transcriptomics, and imaging‑based analyses of melanoma persister states
• Analysis of MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways during early therapy adaptation
• Participation in xenograft mouse experiments and longitudinal therapy response studies
• Analysis and interpretation of multi‑omics datasets in collaboration with computational project partners
• Presentation of scientific results at meetings and conferences

Ihr Profil

• A completed Diploma or Master´s degree in molecular biology or cancer biology, biochemistry, cell biology, bioinformatics, translational medicine or comparable field of study
• Strong interest in melanoma biology, therapy resistance, translational cancer research, multi‑omics technologies and lipid metabolism
• Experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques
• Experience with cell culture, molecular cloning, flow cytometry and/or microscopy is desirable
• Experience with bioinformatics, mass spectrometry, imaging approaches or mouse models is advantageous
• Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams, specifically bridging melanoma biology and lipidomics
• Highly motivated, creative and team‑oriented personality
• Fluent in spoken and written English

Research Environment

• Participation in a newly established DFG‑funded Collaborative Research Centre featuring a strong interdisciplinary translational focus
• Advanced methods: full access to state‑of‑the‑art technologies, e.g., multiplex IF imaging using PhenoCyclerTM, spatial transcriptomic profiling, proteomic and metabolic LMD‑LC/GC‑MS/MS
• Technological scope: training in 3D models, in vivo work, flow cytometry, and AI‑supported data integration

Networking & Collaboration

• Integration into an interdisciplinary, internationally visible cancer research network
• Diverse teams: daily interaction with professional colleagues across experimental, computational, and clinical research
• Exchange opportunities: excellent avenues for close scientific collaboration and external career development

Professional Development

• Structured guidance: continuous, high‑quality mentoring tailored to your academic progression
• Enrollment into the Graduate School for Biomedical Science ‘BIOME’ (
• Skill building: active participation in CRC events, lab rotations, hands‑on workshops, and specialized training activities