PhD Student for Molecular Mechanisms of the Abscopal Effect in Pancreatic Cancer | PhD Student for the Molecular Mechanisms of the Abscopal Effect in Pancreatic Cancer

Job Summary

This PhD position at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) offers a unique opportunity to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which advanced radiation beams (X-ray, proton, heavy-ion) transform pancreatic tumors into an in-situ anticancer vaccine. The successful candidate will focus on the role of endogenous retroviruses and extracellular vesicles in this abscopal effect, utilizing a multidisciplinary approach combining multiomics profiling (RNAseq, proteomics, spatial omics), CRISPR-Cas9 tools, and various in vitro and ex vivo models, including patient-derived organoids (PDOs) and syngeneic mouse models. Day-to-day tasks involve executing radiation experiments, performing advanced cellular and molecular biology techniques (qPCR, Western blot, FACS), isolating extracellular vesicles, and collaborating internationally on multi-omics data analysis. This role is ideal for a proactive, solution-driven lab enthusiast with a Master's degree in a biomedical field, excellent English communication skills, and a desire to contribute to pioneering cancer research within a dynamic, state-of-the-art scientific network.