Headerbild Universitätsklinikum Freiburg

The research group of Professor Dr. Jesus Duque-Afonso, Department of Internal Medicine I (Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation) at Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Centre for Translational Cell Research (ZTZ), is looking for a

PhD Student in Biomedical Sciences (m/f/d)

from May 2025 onwards for the research project "Genomics- and biomarkers-based tools for personalized treatment to reduce chemotherapy burden in pediatric leukemia (GEPARD-2)".

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer and one of the main causes of cancer death in children and young adults. Although the treatment of ALL has been improved in the last decades, there are still patients developing drug resistance and succumbing to the disease, especially in advanced age and with severe co-morbidities. Therefore, we propose to devise new therapeutic approaches, which are more effective while less toxic. We will establish combination therapies using preclinical in vitro and in vivo experimental models, which will be translated into clinical application in the near future. We will identify novel biomarkers based on mass cytometry and circulating DNA to distinguish the true "high-risk" patient population from the "low-to-intermediate risk" group.

In order to identify novel candidate genes/pathways candidate genes, which are involved in proliferation/survival and targeted therapy resistance in ALL cells, we will employ drug screening for targeted therapies. Bioinformatics and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven analysis will identify several genes/pathways on which ALL cells are dependent, mediate drug resistance and are susceptible of pharmacological inhibition.

Our studies will address the novel and important concept of biomarker research in patient material, drug resistance driven by alternative signaling pathways and transcriptional plasticity. They will result in an innovative and original way to overcome drug resistance and to identify novel therapeutic targets and, ultimately, impact the treatment, quality of life and prognosis of patients.

We offer you:

a doctoral position 65% in a 2-year research project with the option of an additional year
an enjoyable laboratory atmosphere
intensive mentorship and defined project with clinical relevance
opportunity to work in a laboratory that employs a wide variety of modern research methods in cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, histology, RNA seq, mass cytometry (CYTOF), liquid biopsies, lentiviral and retroviral shRNA and CRISPR libraries as well as chemical drug screening libraries

We expect:

interest in research and high motivation
experience in work with lentiviral vectors, drug treatments and cell culture
experience in performing shRNA knock-down experiments, library screens and RNA sequencing and bioinformatics
willingness for experimental work with animals (FELASA B course is required)
flexibility
independent work

Your skills and qualities:

completed Master’s degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant biological or medical discipline
candidates with a molecular medicine degree will be prioritized
research experience with methods in molecular biology, molecular cloning, protein biology, cell culture, histology or mouse studies would be beneficial
good organisational and communication skills
self motivation
good language skills in English, as well as the desire to work in an English-speaking laboratory environment

Please submit your application online, include the following in your application:

Motivation letter, CV, copy of graduation certificates and University grades, one or two letters of reference.
Applications will be assessed as they are received and will be open until the position has been filled.

Medical Center - University of Freiburg
Centre für Translational Cell Research (ZTZ)
Prof. Dr. Jesus Duque-Afonso
Hugstetter Str. 55, D-79106 Freiburg

Do you have further questions? Please contact me:
Prof. Dr. Jesus Duque-Afonso email (please do not send any application to this mail address)
You will find further information on our website.

General information: Salary is assigned according to a pay scale. Unless prevented by operational or legal reasons, full-time positions are generally open to those wishing to job share. Where two candidates are equally suitable for a post, severely disabled candidates are given priority. Employment decisions are made by the Personnel Department.

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Vollzeit , Befristete Anstellung

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Aktualisiert am 17.03.2025

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