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“Research for a life without cancer“ is our mission at the German Cancer Research Center. We investigate how cancer develops, identify cancer risk factors and look for new cancer prevention strategies. We develop new methods with which tumors can be diagnosed more precisely and cancer patients can be treated more successfully. Every contribution counts – whether in research, administration or infrastructure. This is what makes our daily work so meaningful and exciting.

Together with university partners at seven renowned partner sites, we have established the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK).

For the DKTK partner site in Dresden we are looking for July 2025 a

PhD Student on the topic “Optimizing Brain Tumor Treatment with Radiotherapy: Defining Tumor Microenvironment and Normal Tissue Interactions"

Reference number: 2025-0101

• Dresden
• Full-time
• DKTK Dresden, Translational Radiation Oncology

The group Translational Radiation Oncology represents the liaison between preclinical studies and the research within Clinical Radiation Oncology. The focus is on high-precision technologies, including particle therapy and biological-driven individualization of radiotherapy.

Your Tasks

To improve therapeutic options for brain cancer patients, this project aims to study the tumor microenvironment and surrounding normal tissue in preclinical models: defining clinical target volumes, understanding biological mechanisms, and identifying combined therapeutic approaches to enhance treatment efficacy and minimize side effects.

You will:

• image tumor and normal tissue alterations using preclinical imaging modalities (Optical Imaging systems, CT, MRI)
• perform mouse cranial proton and photon irradiations with state-of-the-art image-guided radiation therapy
• perform multiplex immunofluorescence staining
• apply and develop image analysis workflows for histological evaluation
• perform spatial analysis at the cellular level in histological tissues
• work in an interdisciplinary team with strong expertise in translational research and collaborate with clinical scientists: Radiation Oncology, Pathology, Radiomics, Biostatistics and Mathematical modelling

Your Profile

• Master / Diploma in biology, biotechnology, medical physics or related fields
• Knowledge in tumor/cell biology desirable
• Basic skills in mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, microscopy and histological techniques would be advantageous
• Strong interest in translational studies on experimental tumors including readiness to perform in vivo experiments (FELASA B is a plus)
• Experience or willingness to learn image analysis software (e.g. Fiji ImageJ, ilastik, CellProfiler) as well as programming languages (e.g. R, Python)
• Strong commitment, motivation and discipline to work independently and efficiently
• Strong team player with the ability to succeed in a dynamic international environment
• Proficiency in written and spoken English

Contact:
Antje Dietrich
Phone: +49 351 458 7406

The position is limited to 3 years with the possibility of prolongation.

Are you interested?

Then become part of the DKFZ and join us in contributing to a life without cancer!


We are convinced that an innovative research and working environment thrives on the diversity of its employees. Therefore, we welcome applications from talented people, regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical ability, religion and age. People with severe disabilities are given preference if they have the same aptitude.

Notice: We are subject to the regulations of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG). Therefore, all our employees must provide proof of immunity against measles.