PhD Student for Tanslational Solid Tumors Research
Specialty
Hematology and oncology
Campus Benjamin Franklin, Steglitz
Jobcode: 8489 | Work time: Part-time | Start date: 01.01.2027 | Employment period: Limited | Application deadline: 12.11.2026 | Deployment location Charité: Campus Benjamin Franklin, Steglitz | 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.
Tasks
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) Satz 3 BerlHG (Berliner Hochschulgesetz), you are granted a reasonable amount of time to pursue your own scientific qualifications.
Profile
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
We offer
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
Further information
Everyone is welcome at the Charité, regardless of age, religion, gender, gender identity, personal 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.
Certification as a family friendly university and company since 2007 - You may find further information here.
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.
