Research Associate (PhD student) Translational Melanoma Research (f/m/d) / 13712 / Clinic for Dermat

Research Associate (PhD student) Translational Melanoma Research (f/m/d) / 13712 / Clinic for Dermat

Responsibilities include:

• Biologe/Biologin
• Opportunity to conduct high-level interdisciplinary research within the newly established DFG-funded Collaborative Research Centre CRC/SFB 1752 “DYNAMO”, investigating the earliest mechanisms of therapy resistance in melanoma during the first days and weeks after therapy initiation:
• Work in Project B06 “Deciphering neutrophil heterogeneity and its implications for immune checkpoint inhibitor response in melanoma”
• Investigation of neutrophil, melanoma, and T cell interactions in the context of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) response and resistance in melanoma
• Establishment of 2D and 3D melanoma culture systems as well as neutrophil–tumor–T cell co-culture models
• Gene expression analyses (e.g. qPCR) and cytokine/chemokine profiling in tumor–immune interaction models
• Multiplex imaging and spatial characterization of tumor–immune interactions
• Contribution to experimental design and execution of immune‑oncology focused and in vivo functional assays
• Data analysis, interpretation, and integration of experimental results in collaboration with computational project partners
• Participation in presentation of scientific results at meetings and conferences

Ihr Profil:

• Completed Diploma or Master degree in molecular biology or cancer biology, immunology, cell biology, bioinformatics, translational medicine or related disciplines
• Strong interest in melanoma biology, tumor immunology, immune checkpoint therapy, translational cancer research, and tumor–immune interactions
• Experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques
• Experience with cell culture, cytokine profiling, flow cytometry and/or microscopy is desirable
• Interest in multiplex/spatial imaging approaches (e.g. Phenocycler or related platforms) is advantageous
• Experience with bioinformatics or biostatistics or mouse models is advantageous
• Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams, specifically bridging melanoma biology and tumor immunology
• Ability to work closely with the second B06 project team and contribute to active scientific exchange
• High level of self‑motivation, scientific curiosity, reliability, personal initiative, creativity, and team‑oriented personality
• Enthusiasm for hands‑on experimental and computational research and active contribution to a dynamic, international, and collaborative research environment
• Strong organizational skills, commitment, and the ability to drive projects forward independently
• Fluent in spoken and written English

Project Highlights

• Cutting‑edge research & technology innovative project:
• Participation in a newly established DFG-funded Collaborative Research Centre featuring a strong interdisciplinary translational focus on tumor dynamics and immune modulation in melanoma
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art technologies including spatial transcriptomics, multiplex imaging, cytokine/chemokine profiling, confocal microscopy, and AI‑supported data integration

Networking & Collaboration

• Integration into an interdisciplinary, internationally visible cancer immunology 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

Guidance & 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

Work Environment & Infrastructure

• Top‑tier facilities: excellent institutional infrastructure located directly at the University Hospital Essen campus
• Work‑life balance: a family‑friendly working environment