PhD Position - Department of Pediatrics

at  Universittsklinikum Frankfurt

PART-TIME | LIMITED TO 2 YEARS | ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: 231-2024

We are seeking a motivated PhD student to join our team at Department of Pediatrics, starting from the earliest possible date. The laboratory is part of the Department of Pediatrics, the biggest children’s hospital in the Rhein-Main area. The position is established into the Leukemia Research Group (www.leukemia-research.de) under management of Dr. Marit Vermunt. The group works on cancer genomics and translational studies in carcinogenesis, with special focus on acute myeloid leukemia in children.

Your role

• You will work on transcriptional regulation in normal and malignant hematopoiesis.
• You will define aberrant epigenomic programs that contribute to leukemogenesis.
• You will identify genes and regulatory sites with a potential role in leukemia via high throughput screening platforms (CRISPR-Cas9 and drug libraries) and validate them using cellular assays in (primary) murine as well as human cells. The aim is to derive and evaluate therapeutic interventions to overcome current obstacles in the treatment of AML using our biobank of patient derived xenografts. These collaborative efforts will investigate the therapeutic potential of targeting aberrant epigenetic networks in AML with projected benefits for patients.
• You will drive a project that is at the interface of basic molecular biology and translational research. You will perform genome-wide analyses as well as in depth mechanistic studies.

Who you are

• You are a PhD candidate with a master in natural sciences and a strong background in biology and genetics.
• Knowledge of tissue culture and molecular biology are required.
• Experience with bioinformatics or at least a strong interest in it is a requirement. Many of the techniques that will be used result in big data sets and so analysis of next generation sequencing data will be a large part of this PhD project.
• You should be highly motivated, able to work in a team, have good communication skills and be fluent in English (spoken and written).
• Due to legal regulations, a valid proof of measles immunity / measles vaccination required.

What we offer

• Collective agreement: In addition to an attractive salary based on a collective agreement, with an annual special payment, you benefit from long-term security through company pension schemes
• Mobility: Free public transport in all Hessen (Free State Ticket Hessen)
• Campus: Our attractive university hospital campus offers a modern cafeteria, various cafes, and opportunities to rest in numerous green spaces. A walk on the riverside of the Main offers relaxation during breaks
• Work-Life-Balance: Part-time employment is possible, we offer childcare in our daycare center (if you have any questions, please contact Ms. Häfner at 069 / 6301 83863), child care during holidays
• Health Promotion: Benefit from our attractive health offers. We offer regular online and face-to-face courses on nutrition, relaxation, sports and exercise.
• Professional development: Internal and external training for your professional development
• Any questions? Many answers can be found in our FAQs for new employees. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Disabled applicants are preferred if they have the same personal and professional qualifications.
Join our team
Use the time until April 1, 2024 to apply. If you have any questions or need further information, please contact Dr. Marit Vermunt (vermuntmw@gmail.com)

• You will work on transcriptional regulation in normal and malignant hematopoiesis.
• You will define aberrant epigenomic programs that contribute to leukemogenesis.
• You will identify genes and regulatory sites with a potential role in leukemia via high throughput screening platforms (CRISPR-Cas9 and drug libraries) and validate them using cellular assays in (primary) murine as well as human cells. The aim is to derive and evaluate therapeutic interventions to overcome current obstacles in the treatment of AML using our biobank of patient derived xenografts. These collaborative efforts will investigate the therapeutic potential of targeting aberrant epigenetic networks in AML with projected benefits for patients.
• You will drive a project that is at the interface of basic molecular biology and translational research. You will perform genome-wide analyses as well as in depth mechanistic studies