PhD student (m/f/d, 65% TV-L) molecular genetics and/or cell biology

Application deadline: 15/12/2026

The Institute of Clinical Genetics and Genomic Medicine at the University Hospital Würzburg is seeking a highly motivated PhD student (m/f/d, 65% TV-L) with a strong background in molecular genetics and/or cell biology to join our team in the field of cancer genomics.

The successful applicant will join an interdisciplinary team working on the José Carreras Leukämie-Stiftung funded project aimed at improving our understanding of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) using long-read DNA sequencing. The successful applicant will be working closely with other members of the ALL research group and the bioinformatics team on sample selection, sequencing, data analysis and functional validation of the findings.

• An international, dynamic, and collaborative multidisciplinary research environment.
• Access to state-of-the-art genomics and sequencing facilities.
• Close integration with clinical departments and translational research initiatives.
• Full access to cutting-edge GPU-based servers capable of diverse AI, HPC and computing workloads.
• Opportunities for career development and scientific networking.
• Salary according to TV-L E13.
• Flexible working hours and a family-friendly environment, helping you balance personal and professional life.
• Excellent employee benefits, including sports and healthcare workshops, an attractive occupational pension, and a subsidized canteen, to enhance your overall well-being.

• Sample selection, communication with the biobank and other stakeholders involved in sample collection and data management.
• Isolation of DNA, RNA and proteins from mononuclear cells, cell lysates, blood or bone marrow, quality control and sample management.
• DNA and RNA library preparation, quality control and sequencing on Illumina NovaSeq X plus, PacBio Revio and Oxford Nanopore PromethION platforms.
• Other molecular genetics assays (e.g., qPCR, Sanger sequencing, MLPA).
• Maintaining cell cultures, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in ALL cell lines, cell viability assays, western blots, and flow cytometry.
• Data analysis, interpretation and visualization.
• Collaboration with bioinformaticians and members of the European ALL study groups (AIEOP-BFM and ALLTogether).
• Publication of results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Presentation of research findings at international scientific conferences (e.g., ESHG, ISCB, EHA, ASH).
• Supervision of master’s and bachelor’s students.

Project Background

Prognosis and treatment of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are largely determined by underlying genetic alterations. However, in approximately 10% of pediatric ALL cases no genetic alterations relevant to risk-stratification can be identified using conventional cytogenetic, molecular genetics and short-read sequencing-based methods (B-other). Children diagnosed with B-other ALL receive uniform treatment, despite genetic heterogeneity of their leukemia, resulting in worse outcomes (5-year EFS 77.3%) compared to children diagnosed with favorable genetic subtypes. Therefore, the discovery of novel biomarkers is urgently required in order to enhance risk stratification, enable tailored therapeutic approaches and improve outcomes in pediatric B-other ALL.

In this project, we will apply long-read whole-genome sequencing, integrated multi-omic and clinical data analysis, and machine learning approaches to characterize the genetic and epigenetic landscape of B-other ALL and identify novel biomarkers for improved risk stratification. Promising candidates will be further investigated in functional in vitro models to assess their biological relevance.

• Master’s degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences or a related field.
• Hands-on experience in molecular biology techniques.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Ability to work independently and in an interdisciplinary team.
• Background in cancer genetics or cancer biology will be considered an advantage.
• Experience with bioinformatics tools and programming (e.g., R, Python, or similar) will be considered an advantage.

• 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.