PhD Student Position (f/m/d)

Division of Translational Oncology is an integral part of Department of Internal Medicine II at the University Hospital Tübingen which is one of the top clinical and research centers in Germany. 

This project utilizes CRISPR/Cas9 editing of inducible pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and long-term (LT) human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to determine the effects of mutations in genes associated with RAS/MAPK pathways on leukemogenesis in severe congenital neutropenia patients. We will apply single cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) and high-content protein profiling to compare wild type and mutant HSCs cells from iPSC and LT-HSCs cultures to delineate signaling pathways disturbed by leukemogenic mutations. We will then functionally validate candidate leukemogenic pathways, select small molecule compounds and drugs targeting leukemogenic pathways and test them for tanti-leukemia activity.

Our study will contribute to the development of AML/MDS treatments that rely on personalized medicine approaches, where genetic and molecular profiles guide therapeutic decisions.

Your tasks:

• Performing cell culture experiments, including iPSC culture and primary hematopoietic cell culture.
• Conducting liquid culture hematopoietic differentiation, long-term culture, and CFU (colony-forming unit) assays.
• Executing CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing of iPSC and primary human hematopoietic cells.
• Preparing samples and performing RNA-seq, DigiWest assays, flow cytometry.
• Working together with a bioinformatician to interpret and analyse the data.
• Evaluating the effects of preselected drugs on wild type and mutant HSCs

Your profile:

• Master's degree in cell and molecular biology, molecular genetics, biochemistry, molecular medicine, or a related field, with a strong background in cell and molecular biology 
• An interest in hematology, leukemogenesis and hematopoietic stem cells is essential 
• Experience with cell culture and standard molecular and cell biology techniques (e.g., PCR, cloning, DNA/RNA purification, flow cytometry) is highly desirable
• While experience with iPSC, primary hematopoietic cells and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing is not mandatory, it would be considered an advantage

Your benefits:

• Working in the diverse environment of a modern university hospital, which, in addition to healthcare, also focuses on medical research and teaching 
• Future-proof job and location as well as attractive remuneration including company pension scheme (VBL) with the most flexible working hours possible
• Subsidy for tickets for local public transport and attractive discounts on our offer platforms for employees
• Structured onboarding phase, hospital's own academy to expand technical, social and methodological skills
• Health care through a wide range of sports activities

We offer remuneration in accordance with TV-L (collective wage agreement for the Public Service of the German Federal States),
severely handicapped persons with equal qualifications are given preferential consideration.
Interview expenses are not covered.
Please note the applicable vaccination regulations.