PhD position (f/m/x) in the area of tumor biology

Uniklinik KölnKöln

Stellenbeschreibung:

PhD position (f/m/x) in the area of tumor biology

Department of Dermatology, Tumor Biology Group

TV‑L: 25 h/week (64,94%)

Limited for 3 years according to WissZeitVG

Your salary will be based on TV‑L

Your tasks

We are seeking a motivated doctoral student for a research project focused on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying cancer development. This position involves using advanced in vitro 3D organotypic models, conducting biochemical and molecular analyses, and performing in vivo mouse carcinogenesis studies, funded through competitive grants. The selected candidate will be responsible for generating and characterizing cell lines using cutting‑edge techniques and performing transcriptomic and proteomic analyses to investigate key pathways in tumor biology.

Your profile

Candidates should hold a Diploma or Master’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, or a related degree. Hands‑on experience with cell culture (2D/3D), CRISPR/Cas9, and qPCR/Western blot. Experience or willingness to work with laboratory mice is preferred. Strong interest in skin cancer and tumor microenvironment; prior work with organoids or carcinogenesis models is advantageous. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. High motivation for research and strong team spirit.

Our offer

This position provides an excellent training opportunity in a multidisciplinary setting, with access to modern research facilities and strong supervision within an internationally collaborative team.

We offer a varied and challenging role in highly relevant and demanding scientific projects.
A great working atmosphere within a competent, friendly, and interdisciplinary team of biologists and physicians.
The successful applicant will work in a highly interactive research environment with a positive and supportive atmosphere.
You will receive supervision and support from the principal investigator and an experienced technician.

Your future with us

We are one of the leading university hospitals in Germany and network research, teaching and health care at the highest level. That's why many things are a lot bigger for us: the spectrum of exciting development opportunities. The limitless openness with which specialists from all over the world work together here. Or our commitment as an employer to support all employees as best we can in reconciling their job with their goals and life situations.

This is the University Hospital of Cologne: Everything but ordinary.

Your future in detail

Our research group is part of the Department of Dermatology and has a strong focus on tumor biology. We use various in vitro and in vivo assays to understand how XIAP expression in epithelial‑type tumors, both intrinsically and extrinsically—such as through regulating cellular inflammatory signaling and tumor immune infiltration—affects tumor growth and therapeutic response. This project will work closely with Prof. Hamid Kashkar's group. Further information about our labs, facilities, research team, and inspiring scientific environment is available.

Applications from female candidates are expressly welcome and will be given priority in the event of equal suitability, competence and professional performance. People with disabilities are welcome to apply and will be treated preferentially in the event of equal suitability and qualification.