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The Children’s Hospital Augsburg (Swabian Children’s Cancer Center) and the University of Augsburg (Biomedical Informatics, Data Mining and Data Analytics) are looking for a PhD student (m/f/d) in experimental pediatric brain tumor research. The position is a 65% part-time position which is limited to three years.

In the last years, cutting-edge tumor characterization techniques for tumors have evolved at an unprecedented pace and we have now the opportunity to study tumor composition down to the single cell level. Our group is exploring the genetic hallmarks and evolution of pediatric brain tumors (including rhabdoid tumors and other embryonal tumors).

Recently, we have conducted integrative, large-scale multi-omic characterizations of pediatric rhabdoid and other high-risk tumors (Johann et al., Cancer Cell, 2016; Erkek, Johann et al., Cancer Cell, 2019; Fincke et al., Clinical Cancer Research, 2023; Mucha et al., Communications Medicine, 2025; Fincke et al., Nature Communications, 2026, accepted), opening new avenues for translating these findings into the clinic.

To advance this translational potential, extensive tumor modeling and treatment optimization using CAR-T cells are essential. Together with our partner institutions, we are currently establishing a growing biobank of tumor organoids that will enable systematic assessment of their susceptibility to CAR-T-cell-mediated treatment. This resource will support the development and optimization of personalized CAR-T-cell therapies for pediatric high-risk tumors.

As clinic of the University Hospital Augsburg (UKA), we are part of a rapidly growing academic center. The UKA is a large-scale care provider with 1699 patient beds in 22 clinics and approximately 2800 employees. Scientifically, the hospital is member of the NCT-WERA cooperation and thus one location of the NCT (national center for tumor diseases).

Job description

  • We are looking for a motivated PhD student (m/f/d) with a keen interest in pediatric oncology, who has previous experience in the generation and/or engineering of CAR-T cells
  • Knowledge of programming languages such as Python or R is helpful but not mandatory
  • The successful applicant will work at the forefront of CAR-T-cell engineering and the cutting-edge application of cellular therapies for the treatment of pediatric brain tumors

Requirements

  • Graduation (Master of Science) in biology, cancer biology, genetics, bioinformatics or a related field (with demonstrated experience in both bioinformatics and experimental work)
  • Previous wet lab experience in either CAR-T cell generation or their optimization is mandatory – alternatively organoid culturing expertise is possible
  • Ability to collaborate and communicate within interdisciplinary teams (in German or English)
  • Be available to start the PhD thesis as soon as possible (beginning in late 2026/early 2027 possible)

What we offer

  • Remuneration up to pay grade EG 13 TV-L, depending on qualifications and professional experience, including the standard social benefits provided in the public sector (occupational pension scheme and annual special payment)
  • Joint appointment at the University of Augsburg (Prof. Dr. M. Schlesner, Computational Biology) and the University Hospital (Prof. Dr. P. Johann) and integration into both a clinical / experimental and a computational working group
  • The possibility to work on your PhD thesis in a rapidly evolving community
  • The opportunity to learn a wide variety of experimental and computational methods
  • The possibility for international lab rotations in the groups of our academic collaboration partners
  • Support in generating an own, academic profile

Contact

For further questions please refer to Prof. Dr. Pascal Johann (Pascal.Johann@uk-augsburg.de)

Application deadline

Please submit your application as soon as possible, latest at the 09th of September 2026.

We look forward to you!

The position is suitable for people with severe disabilities. Applicants (m/f/d) with severe disabilities will be preferred if they are essentially the same aptitude, ability and professional performance. Women are invited to apply in accordance with Article 7 (3) BayGlG. When starting work at the Augsburg University Hospital, proof of sufficient immune protection in accordance with §§ 23, 23a IfSG must be presented or the same must be met.