Hamburg: Ph.D. Student (Research fellow junior) (all genders) Research Institute Children’s Cancer Center Hamburg, research group Developmental Neurobiology and Paediatric Neuro-oncology

At the Research Institute Children's Cancer Center at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, a position as a graduate student (PhD student) is available in the research group developmental neurobiology and paediatric neurooncology (head Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schüller, ) as of 01.08.2025. In principle, a later start is conceivable. Participation in the structured PhD programme of the faculty is possible.

You can expect a motivated and dynamic team of medical doctors, natural scientists, bioinformaticians, technical assistants and students who are investigating childhood nervous system tumors within the framework of different projects and with different approaches.

An exciting project awaits you in which we investigate the molecular steps of malignant transformation from precursor stages to highly malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) in patients with the tumor predisposition syndrome neurofibromatosis type 1. For this purpose, modern technologies like single cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics and global DNA methylation profiling will be applied.  

For this work, you can expect a helpful team, a detailed introduction and appropriate supervision throughout the entire period of the doctorate.

This is a parttime position with 65% percent of the regular weekly working hours and is initially limited to three years as part of a third-party funded research project.

• Excellent scientific degree (Master’s degree or equivalent in natural sciences, bioinformatics or a related subject)
• Strong interest in molecular science and high motivation to work on an ambitious project
• Excellent collaborative teamwork with strengths in communication and independent thinking
• Knowledge of basic methods of molecular biology
• Ideally programming skills (e.g. R, Python) and experience with omics data
• Ability to prepare, present and publish scientific data
• Proficiency in English (spoken and written)
• Candidates with equivalent skills and experience and high interest in the research area described are also welcome to apply

Please note that employment is contingent upon proof of immunization or immunity against the measles virus, in accordance with applicable legal and medical requirements. Documentation (e.g., vaccination certificate) must be provided before employment begins.

• DFG funded, innovative research project including modern technologies
• Close mentoring by experienced postdocs and PI
• Retreats, guest lectures, and labmeetings
• Comprehensive onboarding and open knowledge exchange within the team
• Attractive compensation according to
• Secure employment with meaningful work and respectful collaboration
• Comprehensive onboarding and open knowledge exchange within the team
• Extensive training and further education programs at our
• Opportunities to contribute to our “UKE INside” personnel policy through cross-professional and cross-hierarchical projects
• Sustainable travel: subsidies for the Deutschlandticket as a job ticket, and Dr. Bike bicycle service
• Family-friendly working environment: cooperation on childcare, free vacation childcare, advice for employees with relatives in need of care
• Excellent health, wellness, and sports programs
• A wide range of dining options in our staff restaurant, with additional choices available at the “Health Kitchen” cafés, bistros, and an on-site supermarket

• Contact to the department

  Dr. med. Catena Kresbach/Prof. Dr. U. Schüller

• Recruiting contact

  Recruiting Team

We live diversity and value variety

We offer a work environment that provides equal opportunities regardless of age, gender, sexual identity, disability, ethnic and social origin, or religion. This is confirmed by our accession to the Charter of Diversity. We explicitly aim to increase the proportion of women in management positions, especially among scientific personnel in research and teaching. Women with equal qualifications will be given priority. The same applies in the case of under-representation of one gender in the advertised area. Persons with severe disabilities with equal aptitude, competence, and professional performance will be given priority.