We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join our „Molecular Precision Medicine for Hormone-Driven Cancers" research group at the Department of Urology (Director: Prof. Felix Chun) and the Mildred Scheel Career Center (MSNZ) Frankfurt, an excellence program supporting careers in translational cancer research (funded by the German Cancer Aid). The lab, headed by Dr. Anne Fassl, specializes in developing novel strategies for targeted therapies in prostate and breast cancer. The position is initially limited to three years, with the possibility of extension.
PhD Position – “Molecular Precision Medicine for Hormone-Driven Cancers” group
Activities and responsibilities
Project description:
Advanced prostate cancer is characterized by extensive genetic heterogeneity and a profoundly altered tumor immune microenvironment, both of which contribute to disease progression and therapy resistance. Emerging evidence suggests that genetic alterations critically shape immune evasion and immune suppression likely explaining the limited efficacy of immunotherapy in prostate cancer that has been observed to date. The mechanisms linking genetics to immune modulation in advanced disease remain poorly understood.
This PhD project aims to dissect the interplay between genetics and the immune microenvironment in advanced prostate cancer using complementary in vitro, in vivo, and patient-derived approaches. The student will investigate how specific genetic alterations influence immune cell recruitment, activation, and function that shape the response to targeted prostate cancer therapies. Analyses of human tumor samples will be integrated with mechanistic studies in preclinical models of advanced prostate cancer.
The project will combine molecular profiling of tumor cells with immune characterization using flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and transcriptomic approaches. Functional in vitro immune cell assays will be employed to study tumor-immune interactions under controlled conditions, while in vivo experiments will allow validation of key mechanisms. Overall, this project seeks to identify genetic drivers of immune suppression or activation and to provide a mechanistic framework for genetically informed immunomodulatory strategies in advanced prostate cancer.
Advanced prostate cancer is characterized by extensive genetic heterogeneity and a profoundly altered tumor immune microenvironment, both of which contribute to disease progression and therapy resistance. Emerging evidence suggests that genetic alterations critically shape immune evasion and immune suppression likely explaining the limited efficacy of immunotherapy in prostate cancer that has been observed to date. The mechanisms linking genetics to immune modulation in advanced disease remain poorly understood.
This PhD project aims to dissect the interplay between genetics and the immune microenvironment in advanced prostate cancer using complementary in vitro, in vivo, and patient-derived approaches. The student will investigate how specific genetic alterations influence immune cell recruitment, activation, and function that shape the response to targeted prostate cancer therapies. Analyses of human tumor samples will be integrated with mechanistic studies in preclinical models of advanced prostate cancer.
The project will combine molecular profiling of tumor cells with immune characterization using flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and transcriptomic approaches. Functional in vitro immune cell assays will be employed to study tumor-immune interactions under controlled conditions, while in vivo experiments will allow validation of key mechanisms. Overall, this project seeks to identify genetic drivers of immune suppression or activation and to provide a mechanistic framework for genetically informed immunomodulatory strategies in advanced prostate cancer.
Qualification profile
- Master’s degree in life sciences, e.g. biology, biochemistry, molecular medicine, immunology, or an equivalent qualification
- Practical experience with immune cell assays and multi-color flow cytometry
- Solid hands-on experience in basic laboratory techniques, including molecular biology and mammalian tissue culture
- Interest in tumor biology, immunology, and the molecular mechanisms of cancer
- Basic experience with data analysis or bioinformatics is considered a plus
- High level of motivation, scientific curiosity, and passion for discovery-driven research
- Interactive personality with a collaborative spirit and strong communication skills
- Careful documentation of experimental work and a structured approach to data management
- Excellent command of spoken and written English
- Due to legal regulations, a valid proof of measles immunity / measles vaccination is required.
We offer
- In addition to an attractive salary based on a collective agreement TV-G-U E13 (65%) with an annual special payment, you benefit from long-term security through company pension schemes
- An excellent and interdisciplinary scientific environment with dedicated supervision and mentoring
- Comprehensive training in both fundamental laboratory techniques and state-of-the-art experimental methods
- Opportunities for collaboration with nationally and internationally renowned research groups
- Participation in training, qualification and career development programs of the MSNZ and the Goethe University
- Participation in conferences, workshops, and scientific networking activities
- Internal and external training for your professional development
- We offer childcare in our daycare center (if you have any questions, please contact UKF-Familienservice), child care during holidays
- Uniklinik-Campus, Mensa, Cafés
- Free public transport in all Hessen (Free State Ticket Hessen)
- Benefit from our attractive health offers. We offer regular online and face-to-face courses on nutrition, relaxation, sports and exercise
- Insights: Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn
- FAQ´s for new employees
Contact: Dr. Anne Fassl
anne.fassl(at)unimedizin-ffm.de
Deadline: March 15, 2026
Please submit your application including your CV, motivation statement and contact information of 2 references.
We are targeting applicants of all genders and nationalities. Applicants with handicap will be preferred if personal and professional skills are equivalent.
anne.fassl(at)unimedizin-ffm.de
Deadline: March 15, 2026
Please submit your application including your CV, motivation statement and contact information of 2 references.
We are targeting applicants of all genders and nationalities. Applicants with handicap will be preferred if personal and professional skills are equivalent.
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087-2026
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