PhD Student/Doktorand/in (m/f/d)
in Next-generation CAR-T cell Engineering (Synthetic Biology)

Application deadline: 15/09/2025

Seeking a PhD student eager to innovate next-generation chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies at the University Hospital Würzburg.

• access to state-of-the-art instruments
• cutting-edge projects in a fast-paced work environment
• structured PhD program through Universität Würzburg Graduate School of Life
  Sciences (GSLS)
• comprehensive training and mentorship toward an independent research career
• international research team with diverse backgrounds and multidisciplinary expertise
• opportunities to gain exposure to translational CAR-T research
• renumeration according to German public service scale (TV-L)
• occupational pension program
• company fitness studio (free-of-charge Mon-Fri 16:00 to 8:00, Sat-Sun 24h)
• company day-care center (extended opening hours 5:30 to 18:00)

Our research focuses on applying synthetic biology principles to develop next-generation CAR-T cell therapies for cancer treatment. A central goal for our team is to design flexible platform systems that can be widely applied across a broad range of disease contexts. Your project will aim to (1) elucidate the molecular mechanisms underpinning dynamic changes in T-cell states and (2) engineer novel protein-based biosensors to regulate CAR-driven activities. This project is high-risk, high-reward and offers opportunities to address key, limiting challenges in CAR-T cell therapy. The work will encompass a broad range of experimental techniques, including construct library design, molecular cloning, protein purification, human tissue culture, viral and non-viral gene transfer, flow cytometry, western blot, ELISA, confocal microscopy, etc. Research training, mentorship, and project work are to be conducted at the University Hospital Würzburg within the Medical Clinic and Polyclinic II and Chair of Cellular Immunotherapy.  

Any questions? Please do not hesitate to contact Patrick Ho, ho_p@ukw.de.

• master’s degree and academic excellence in chemical engineering, bioengineering, immunology, biology, biochemistry, biomedicine, biotechnology, or related field
• mammalian tissue-culture experience, T-cell experience strongly preferred
• self-started and goal-oriented
• strong communication skills

• 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