Doctoral Researcher in Cancer Immunology
Project description
Our lab will investigate the interactions between cancer and neutrophils, one of the most common immune cells in the human body which remain unexploited for cancer therapy. Tumors can reprogram neutrophils toward pro-tumoral functions, whereas cancer immunotherapy can elicit a beneficial neutrophil response that supports tumor control. Our goal is to understand how specific signaling pathways and transcription factors drive these opposing neutrophil fates. We aim to identify regulatory circuits that establish tumor-specific maladaptive neutrophil states and test whether disrupting key regulators can repolarize neutrophils to limit tumor progression. In parallel, we aim to elucidate how cancer immunotherapy primes an anti-tumor neutrophil fate and identify regulators whose perturbation can enhance this beneficial neutrophil response.
We will use CRISPR-based genetic perturbations in vitro and in vivo in neutrophil progenitors to identify regulatory circuits that control neutrophil fate and function. To study specific signaling pathways, we will combine analysis of patient samples, mouse tumor models, gene editing in human neutrophil progenitors, transcriptomic, epigenomic and proteomic profiling, as well as flow cytometry and histological analyses.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in biomedical sciences, bioengineering or related fields
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Hands-on experience in basic molecular biology techniques, cell culture and flow cytometry
- Experience in mouse models and certified training in animal experimentation is a plus
- Experience in bioinformatic analyses (e.g. RNA-seq, ATAC-seq) and R programming is a plus
We offer
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities at the institute and on campus
- A nourishing research environment with institutional research seminars and invited speaker lectures
- Possibility of participation in national and international conferences
- Structured training program within the framework of the Paul Ehrlich Graduate School for Tumor Biology (https://georg-speyer-haus.de/en/forschung/graduate-school)
- PhD project supported by a Thesis Advisory Committee
- Career development support, scientific and professional skills courses provided by the institute and by the Goethe University Frankfurt
- Lively PhD community with regular scientific networking activities and social events for PhD students
- A salary in accordance with the agreement for public service of the state of Hesse (E13, 65%), including social benefits, available for 3 years with the option for extension
Interested?
Applications should be submitted electronically latest by May 1st, 2026 to Dr. Máté Kiss (m.kiss[at]georg-speyer-haus.de) as a single PDF containing a cover letter, CV, the names and contact details of at least two references, and academic transcripts from both the bachelor's and master's degrees.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an in-person interview.
Start date:
Summer of 2026
For further information, please contact Dr. Máté Kiss (m.kiss[at]georg-speyer-haus.de).
Our international working environment promotes equal opportunities for all staff regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments under criteria of scientific excellence. Applications from women are explicitly welcome. Disabled individuals will be preferred in case of equal qualification. For Information about the Georg-Speyer-Haus please visit our website.