PhD Position in Germany: A PhD position is available in the research group for the development of cellular therapies, headed by Prof. Wolfgang Holter, at the Children’s Cancer Research Institute (CCRI). We are looking for an individual who is enthusiastic about pursuing one of the currently most promising forms of cancer immunotherapy for treatment of high risk pediatric cancers. CAR-T cell therapy, i.e. immunotherapy based on T cells redirected to tumor cells by chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), has shown unprecedented success in the treatment of leukemia and has been chosen breakthrough of the year 2013.

Clinical translation and extension of this success to solid pediatric tumors such as sarcoma, however, is limited by severe safety issues and by lack of efficacy. Our goal is to develop strategies for enhancing the efficacy and safety, and to deliver the basis for clinical application. This research combines basic immunology aspects with tools of synthetic biology and will make use of preclinical models of pediatric cancer.

The position is available immediately. Applicants should hold a master´s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry or a related discipline. Experience with standard methods of molecular and cell biology is expected, experience with immunological methods and/or a preclinical tumor model is considered as additional advantage. The appointment is for 3 years and the salary is in line with standards of the Austrian Science Fund FWF; http://www.fwf.ac.at/en/research-funding/personnel-costs/ . Applicants should provide a cover letter summarizing the research experience and motivation, CV with photo, names and contact details of 2 referees (everything merged into a single pdf-file labeled with the applicant´s surname). Applications should be addressed to Dr. Manfred Lehner, email: mailto:personal(at)ccri.at

The Children´s Cancer Research Institute (CCRI) is an internationally renowned multidisciplinary research institution tightly linked to the St. Anna Children’s Hospital, a leading pediatric cancer center in Austria. The paramount aim of the CCRI is to improve treatment outcome of malignant diseases in children and adolescents by performing basic, translational, and clinical research. Moreover, the CCRI entertains close collaborations with many other research and clinical institutions worldwide. The institute offers a stimulating scientific environment, weekly seminars, journal clubs, and an excellent laboratory space located in a city voted “most livable” in the world. For more information please visit our website: http://science.ccri.at/

Field: Cancer immunotherapy

Institute: Children´s Cancer Research Institute, 1090 Vienna

Website http://science.ccri.at/

Deadline: 30.09.2015

Kontakt-Person(en)

Haupt-Kontakt
Name:Dr. Manfred Lehner