PhD Student (m/w/d)

PhD Student for Tanslational Solid Tumors Research

Specialty

Hematology and oncology

Campus Benjamin Franklin, Steglitz

Jobcode: 8489 | Work time: Part-time | Start date: | Employment period: Limited | Application deadline: 12.11.2026 | Deployment location Charité: Campus Benjamin Franklin, Steglitz | Salary group: E13

Working at Charité

We are looking for a highly qualified and motivated scientist for a project in translational cancer research and spatial multi-omics data analysis. Our interdisciplinary group at Charité, with close links to the MDC and DKTK, brings together physicians and scientists in biology, biochemistry and bioinformatics. We offer structured mentoring and access to state-of-the-art technologies. The project builds on an established spatial multi-omics platform for solid tumors, with a focus on primary uveal melanoma and its microenvironment. Within this project, this framework will be applied to clinically relevant contrasts, including pre- and post-immunotherapy as well as primary versus metastatic samples, to identify prognostic and treatment-relevant spatial biomarkers of tumor-immune interaction.

Overview of the position

Translational PhD project with a bioinformatic focus aiming at identifying spatial and molecular biomarkers that enable stratification of metastatic risk and survival, and targeted treatment approaches

Analysis and integration of multi-modal single-cell and spatial datasets, including single-cell nucleus sequencing, Xenium spatial transcriptomics data and protein imaging to map tumor cell states and immune niches in tissue

Spatial ligand-receptor interactions, proximity, and niche analyses to define how tumor genotypes and tumor states co-localize and interact with specific immune cell subtypes.

Differential composition, pathway, and spatially variable gene analyses across clinically relevant contrasts

Inform subsequent mechanistic validation to translate our findings into actionable biomarkers for risk stratification and targeted treatment, in close collaboration with clinicians and wet-lab scientists (including collaborations at MDC / BIMSB and DKTK sites)

Application of a wide range of methodologies: single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, RNA sequencing, multiplex imaging, high-dimensional data integration, and reproducible large-scale bioinformatic workflows

You are engaged in scientific work and, in accordance with §110 (4) Satz 3 BerlHG (Berliner Hochschulgesetz), you are granted a reasonable amount of time to pursue your own scientific qualifications.

What we are looking for

Master’s degree (or equivalent) preferably in bioinformatics, computational biology, or a related natural science discipline with a strong emphasis on bioinformatics and/or data analysis

High motivation, ability to conduct independent scientific research, solution-oriented thinking and excellent communication skills

Basic knowledge of statistical testing, as well as molecular and cell biology

Excellent proficiency in English, both written and spoken

Desirable: hands-on experience with RNA-sequencing or spatial transcriptomics data, high-performance computing (HPC) environments and large-scale data management

Charité offers you

Highly professional work environment in motivated and interdisciplinary teams

A future-oriented, varied and demanding position with a high grade of personal responsibility and personal decision making opportunities

Intercultural team events, well structured onboarding phase with kind team members

Extensive offers for inhouse training and professional development as well as further qualifications

Special offers in the areas of shopping, travel and sports

Additional pension program with a company wide pension scheme

Certification as a family friendly university and company since 2007 - You may find further information here

Consideration of personal wishes regarding the weekly working schedule

Information regarding the position

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