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PhD Student for Tanslational Solid Tumors Research

Specialty
Hematology and oncology

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Work time
part-time

Start date
01.01.2027

Employment period
limited

Application deadline
12.11.2026

Deployment location Charité
Campus Benjamin Franklin, Steglitz

Jobcode
8489

Salary group
E13

Working at Charité

We are looking for a highly qualified and motivated scientist for a project in translational cancer research and spatial multi-omics data analysis. Our interdisciplinary group at Charité, with close links to the MDC and DKTK, brings together physicians and scientists in biology, biochemistry and bioinformatics. We offer structured mentoring and access to state-of-the-art technologies. The project builds on an established spatial multi-omics platform for solid tumors, with a focus on primary uveal melanoma and its microenvironment. Within this project, this framework will be applied to clinically relevant contrasts, including pre- and post-immunotherapy as well as primary versus metastatic samples, to identify prognostic and treatment-relevant spatial biomarkers of tumor–immune interaction.

Overview of the position

Translational PhD project with a bioinformatic focus aiming at identifying spatial and molecular biomarkers that enable stratification of metastatic risk and survival, and targeted treatment approaches
Analysis and integration of multi-modal single-cell and spatial datasets, including single-cell nucleus sequencing, Xenium spatial transcriptomics data and protein imaging to map tumor cell states and immune niches in tissue
Spatial ligand-receptor interactions, proximity, and niche analyses to define how tumor genotypes and tumor states co-localize and interact with specific immune cell subtypes.
Differential composition, pathway, and spatially variable gene analyses across clinically relevant contrasts
Inform subsequent mechanistic validation to translate our findings into actionable biomarkers for risk stratification and targeted treatment, in close collaboration with clinicians and wet-lab scientists (including collaborations at MDC / BIMSB and DKTK sites)
Application of a wide range of methodologies: single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, RNA sequencing, multiplex imaging, high-dimensional data integration, and reproducible large-scale bioinformatic workflows
You are engaged in scientific work and, in accordance with §110 (4) Satz3 BerlHG (Berliner Hochschulgesetz), you are granted a reasonable amount of time to pursue your own scientific qualifications.

What we are looking for

Master’s degree (or equivalent) preferably in bioinformatics, computational biology, or a related natural science discipline with a strong emphasis on bioinformatics and/or data analysis
High motivation, ability to conduct independent scientific research, solution-oriented thinking and excellent communication skills
Basic knowledge of statistical testing, as well as molecular and cell biology
Excellent proficiency in English, both written and spoken
Desirable: hands-on experience with RNA-sequencing or spatial transcriptomics data, high-performance computing (HPC) environments and large-scale data management

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
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 13 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 hours is part-time 65%.
The position is limited until 31.12.2029, as it is tied to the project duration
31 days of paid vacation per year
The application period ends on: 12.11.2026
Position ID: 8489

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.

For data protection reasons, we only accept applications via our application portal. The contact details provided below are intended solely for inquiries.

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If you have questions, please contact:

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.