PhD position (m/f/d) in Stem Cell Transplantation with focus on Immunotherapy

Application deadline: 30/6/2026

Applications are invited for a PhD student position under the supervision of Dr. Haroon Shaikh (Experimental Stem Cell Transplantation) in the research group of Prof. Andreas Beilhack at the Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research project focused on the development and application of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-based immunotherapies for B-cell leukemia in the setting of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT).

In close collaboration with Dr. Ignazio Caruana (Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Würzburg), our research aims to develop next-generation immunotherapeutic strategies that enhance graft-versus-leukemia (GvL) activity while minimizing graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) following allo-HCT. A major focus of our work is the investigation of cellular mechanisms and immune interactions that drive pro- and anti-inflammatory responses (Flamman C* & Shaikh H* et al., 2025, Blood; Shaikh et al., 2025, bioRxiv; Jorgacevic I* & Shaikh H* et al., 2025, Cardiovascular Research; Shaikh H et al., 2022, JCI Insight; Shaikh H et al., 2021, Frontiers in Immunology). State-of-the-art preclinical animal models, primary leukemic tissue together with cutting-edge technologies including advanced microscopy (confocal, LSFM), cellular methods (flow cytometry) as well as RNA-seq approaches (i.e. bulk and single cell) as well as numerous molecular biotechnological methods such as gain- and loss-of-function assays are applied in our research.

• An excellent scientific environment within the framework of an interdisciplinary (The Interdisciplinary Centre for Clinical Research) IZKF and German Research Foundation (DFG)-funded transregional collaborative research center.
• Project on the forefront of translational research and prospects for clinical translation.
• Training in the Graduate School of Life Science (GSLS) at the University of Würzburg.
• Attractive salary according to TV-L including annual special payment.
• Wide-ranging further training and individual further training in our own academy.
• The opportunity to work on a fascinating scientific topic in an international research team.
• Continuous scientific mentoring and academic training.

• Development of project: perform experiments, evaluate and quantify results ensuring the project evolves and fulfils the goals and work packages.
• Application of modern immunotherapy and gene editing technologies (including CARs, TRUCKs and CRISPR/Cas9).
• Produce written reports and draft papers.
• Presentation of results at scientific conferences and publication in scientific journals.
• Assist with training other researchers, including Masters' and undergraduate project students.

• Excellent Master´s degree in life science (or equivalent).
• Sound knowledge and strong interest in immunology and cell biology.
• Experience with animal experimentation and/or cellular therapy.
• Very good written and spoken English skills.
• Motivation, reliability and dedication to work in an academic research lab are a must.

• Challenging, diverse and evolving area of responsibility
• Attractive salary according to TV-L incl. annual special payment
• Training and Continuing Education
• Retirement Pension Plan
• Company daycare center with extended opening hours
• Company sports program
• Flexible Working Hours
• JobBike
• Corporate Benefits

In the case of a university degree from a non-EU country, a long version of the certificate evaluation from the Central Office for Foreign Education is required.

Remuneration is in accordance with the relevant collective agreements. Severely disabled applicants will be given preference if they are otherwise equally qualified.