PhD Student (all gender), Translational Pediatric Oncology Research Clinic for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join the Translational Pediatric Oncology Research Group of Prof. Dr. Christian Braun at the Department of Pediatrics (Director: Prof. Jan-Henning Klusmann) University Hospital Frankfurt.

Our group investigates how dysregulated gene-expression programs contribute to the development and progression of pediatric cancers with the overarching goal of identifying new therapeutic vulnerabilities. We combine advanced CRISPR-based screening approaches with transcriptomic and proteomic profiling and employ patient-derived cancer models to uncover the molecular mechanisms that drive high-risk tumors.

The successful candidate will become part of an interdisciplinary and collaborative team committed to translating molecular insights into new precision-oncology strategies for children with cancer.

The project offers substantial freedom to develop your own scientific ideas access to advanced technologies and patient-derived cancer models and the opportunity to contribute to research with real impact.

Your Role:

• Design and perform CRISPR-based genetic perturbation screens in patient-derived and engineered cancer models
• Analyze and interpret epigenetic transcriptomic and proteomic datasets using state-of-the-art statistical and computational approaches
• Functionally validate candidate genes pathways and molecular mechanisms in cellular model systems
• Contribute to the development and preclinical evaluation of targeted therapeutic strategies for high-risk pediatric tumors
• Present results within the research group and at scientific meetings and contribute to publications
• Collaborate closely with clinicians molecular biologists and computational scientists within an interdisciplinary environment

• Masters degree in Life Sciences or a related discipline
• Strong interest in uncovering novel therapeutic strategies and in understanding epigenetic and transcriptional mechanisms of gene regulation
• Practical experience with standard molecular biology techniques (e.g. cloning PCR flow cytometry)
• Basic proficiency in bioinformatics and experience analyzing high-throughput datasets (e.g. RNA-seq proteomics)
• Motivation to work independently as well as collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research team
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency in written and spoken English
• Due to legal regulations valid proof of measles immunity / measles vaccination is required.

• In addition to an attractive salary based on acollective agreement (TV-G-U E13)with an annual special payment you benefit from long-term security through company pension schemes
• The position is part time 26h/week initially limited to one year with the possibility of extension.
• Internal and external training for your professional development
• Benefit from our attractive health offers. We offer regular online and face-to-face courses on nutrition relaxation sports and exercise
• We offer childcare in our daycare center (if you have any questions please contact UKF-Familienservice) child care during holidays
• Free public transport in all Hessen (Free State Ticket Hessen)
• Uniklinik-Campus Mensa Cafés
• Insights: Instagram YouTube LinkedIn
• FAQs for new employees

Contact: Prof. Dr. Christian Braun
Email:
Application Deadline: 20.12.2025

Required application documents: Please include a brief paragraph outlining your motivation for applying to this PhD position CV employment references

We welcome applications from candidates of all genders. Women are currently underrepresented in these positions at Universitätsmedizin Frankfurt. Therefore applications from women are especially encouraged. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration in cases of equal personal and professional qualifications.