Doktorand / Doktorandin / PhD (m/w/d) Kinderonkologie und -rheumatologie

Clinical Research Unit CATCH ALL

The group for Translational Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) research is set in the Dept. of Pediatric Oncology and Rheumatology of the UKSH/CAU Campus Kiel. In close association with the ALL-BFM study center, which conducts large international multicenter clinical trials in the AIEOP-BFM ALL consortium, we are investigating new pathways, targets, and treatments for high-risk childhood ALL.

The position is available within the DFG-funded Clinical Research Unit CATCH-ALL: Towards a Cure for Adults and Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (). Clinical and basic researchers join efforts in this interdisciplinary initiative to define mechanisms of leukemogenesis and treatment resistance across age groups. The final aim is to devise novel molecular and immunotherapeutic treatment strategies.

The PhD project focuses on optimizing antibody-based immunotherapy of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), particularly in the context of macrophages.

Start in our team

We are looking for professional and competent support to start for a limited time of 4 years.

What we offer:

• The salary will be based on the German E13 TV-L scale (65%) if terms and conditions under collective bargaining law are fulfilled
• Part-time employment, currently 25 hours/ week
• Many employee discounts on various online platforms and with various companies
• Free in-house training and continuing education
• You can find more exciting benefits offered by UKSH here:

Your tasks:

• Conduct high-throughput analysis of macrophage activation and polarization under therapeutic pressure using in vitro assays and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models
• Evaluation of combination strategies enhancing the efficacy of antibody-based immunotherapies in ALL
• Characterization of the leukemia microenvironment in human and mouse samples using advanced imaging (MACSima™, confocal microscopy) and flow cytometry
• Integration of translational data from murine and patient samples to define predictive biomarkers for therapy response
• Collaborative work within the CATCH-ALL consortium to validate novel combination immunotherapy concepts in preclinical phase-2-like trials

Your profile:

• Degree, M.Sc. or equivalent, in life sciences and basic knowledge in cell biological and molecular genetic techniques
• Strong interest in immuno-oncology (optimally antibody-based therapy approaches and macrophage biology) and motivation to independently acquire an in-depth understanding of the project background and to familiarize with novel methods
• The willingness to work with preclinical mouse models is mandatory. Previous experience in this field is a plus
• Experience in immunological assays, advanced imaging techniques, flow cytometry, genome editing (e.g. CRISPR/Cas9) and corresponding analysis tools (e.g. “R”) is advantageous but not a prerequisite
• Strong work ethic and focused mindset; ability to work collaboratively within the team and with external partner

Please submit your application by , indicating the reference number 27599 .