PhD student (m/f/d) in functional cancer genomics

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Work time
part-time

Start date
Ab Januar 2026

Employment period
limited

Application deadline
16.12.2025

Deployment location Charité
Campus Benjamin Franklin, Steglitz

Jobcode
5717

Salary group
E13

Working at Charité

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student (m/f/d) to join our research on functional cancer genomics and therapy resistance at the Charité, Berlin. This DFG-funded position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a deeper understanding of cancer origin and treatment resistance by applying cutting edge technologies in an international, vibrant, and collaborative research environment. Our department offers state-of-the-art infrastructure including single-cell genomics/transcriptomics, spectral flow cytometry, proteomics, various imaging techniques, in vivo work, access to patient material and active interaction with clinical departments. You also benefit from numerous interactions with other groups with expertise in cancer biology or immunology, as well as various opportunities for advanced scientific education and training.

Overview of the position

You will be invovled in the research project dealing with cellular senescence, one of the nature-given safety mechanisms preventing cancer by inhibiting the proliferation of harmful mutated cells. Inactivation of this safety program is necessary for malignant transformation, but how this happens during mutagenesis is not clear. To address this, we study mutational networks of B-cell lymphomas in wild type or genomically senescent-deficient mouse strains. By inducing transposon mutagenesis in healthy B-cells and sequencing the mutation sites in resulting malignant cells, we dissect the driving force of lymphomas and senescence-inactivating mechanisms. We further study how this mutational network evolves under therapy to understand treatment resistance and find novel treatments that overcome it.
Your responsibilities will be:
Designing and conducting experiments to detect and evaluate the mutational events leading to B-cell lymphomas
In-depth characterization of tumor samples using bulk and single-cell analyses, as well as functional assays
Analyzing and interpreting experimental data, presenting research findings
Collaborating effectively with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and technicians

What we are looking for

Master’s degree in cell biology, biotechnology, molecular biology, or related field
Hands-on experience in cell culture and molecular biology techniques
Experience in handling experimental mouse models and certified training (FELASA or equivalent) is a plus
Experience in bioinformatic analyses and/or programming skills is a plus
Scientific curiosity, proactive working attiude and strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Fluent command of written and spoken English

Charité offers you

Highly professional work environment in motivated and interdisciplinary teams
A future-oriented, varied and demanding position with a high grade of personal responsibility and personal decision making opportunities
Intercultural team events, well structured onboarding phase with kind team members
Extensive offers for inhouse training and professional development as well as further qualifications
Special offers in the areas of shopping, travel and sports
Bike leasing via "JobRad" possible, bike repair workshop with subsidised price conditions for employees available
Additional pension program with a company wide pension scheme
Certification as a family friendly university and company since 2007 - You may find further information here
Consideration of personal wishes regarding the weekly working schedule

Information regarding the position

Paygrade E13 according to TVöD VKA-K. Your job grade depends on your job qualification whereas the experience level depends on the number of working years. The yearly gross salary is hereby provided based on a full time position excluding yearly bonus and additional pay. You may find further information here
Working time will be 65% (100% = 38,5 hours a week)
The position is limited until 31.12.2028, as it is tied to the project duration
30 days of paid vacation per year
The application period ends on: 16th December 2025
Position ID: 5717

Application

Everyone is welcome at the Charité, regardless of age, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, disability, ethnic or social background. We are committed to equal opportunities and inclusion.

Apply using our online tool and become part of the Charité.

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If you have questions, please contact:

jasmin.radenkovic@charite.de

More information

Data protection information

The Charité would like to point out that personal data is stored and processed at various locations at the Charité premises (e.g. specialty department, personnel representatives, HR department) as part of and for the purposes of the application process. Furthermore, the data may be transferred or processed within the group and to external bodies (e.g. authorities) to protect legitimate interests. By submitting your application, you agree to our data protection policy and terms of use for application procedures, which you can find here.

Additional information

Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin makes its personnel decisions based on suitability, ability and professional performance. The Charité aims to increase the proportion of women in management positions and therefore strongly encourages women to apply. Women with equivalent qualifications will be given priority within the scope of legal possibilities. Applications from people with a migration background who meet the recruitment requirements are expressly encouraged. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualifications will be given preference. A police good-conduct certificate, in some cases an extended good-conduct certificate, is required at the time of recruitment. Unfortunately, application documents can be returned only if a sufficiently stamped envelope is enclosed. Any incurred travel expenses cannot be reimbursed.