PhD Student position – Quantitative Spatial Cancer Biology research group

Anstellungsart: Temporary employee
Arbeitsmodell: Full Time
Ausschreibungsnummer: 1939005

...sind Sie mittendrin

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD Student to join our „Quantitative Spatial Cancer Biology" research group at the Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology and the Mildred Scheel Career Center (MSNZ) Frankfurt, an ex-cellence program supporting careers in translational cancer research (funded by the German Cancer Aid). The lab, headed by Dr. Konstantinos Kokkaliaris, specializes in hematopoietic stem-cell biology and bone marrow tissue organization in health, aging and cancer. We use innovative single-cell protein profiling technologies including cutting-edge multiplex 3D tissue imaging, multicolor flow cytometry and mass cytometry. The focus of the lab is to better understand tissue organization in homeostasis, aging and disease as well as further develop multiplex tissue imaging modalities. We are looking for a candidate interested in deciphering the cross-talk mechanisms through which malignant cells interact and shape their local tissue microenvironment to favor disease progression at the expense of healthy tissue function using singe-cell technologies and in vivo models.
Further information on the lab can be found here: https://www.kokkaliarislab.com/.

Project description:

The project aims to define the key cellular, molecular and structural alterations in the bone marrow in hematologic malignancies and following response to induction chemotherapy. We will focus on targetable interactions between (malignant) cells and their spatial tumor microenvironment(s) to overcome therapy resistance, while enhancing healthy tissue recovery and function. Our goal is to leverage those findings towards designing and functional validation of novel therapeutic intervention strategies for longer disease-free survival against lethal hematologic malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia.

Relevant Publications:

Hofmann J. and Kokkaliaris KD. Bone marrow niches for hematopoietic stem cells: life span dynamics and adaptation to acute stress. Blood. 2020; 144 (1): 21–34.
Kokkaliaris KD and Scadden DT. Cell interactions in the bone marrow microenvironment affecting myeloid malignancies. Blood Advances. 4(15):3795-3803. (Cover story)
Kokkaliaris KD*, Kunz L, Cabezas-Wallscheid N, Christodoulou C, Renders S, Camargo F, Trumpp A, Scadden DT, Schroeder T*. Adult blood stem cell localization reflects the abundance of reported bone marrow niche cell types and their combinations. Blood. 2020; 136(20):2296-2307. *co-corresponding authors (Cover story)
Coutu D+, Kokkaliaris KD+, Kunz L+, Schroeder T. Multicolor quantitative confocal imaging cytometry. Nature Methods, 2018; 15: 39-46. +co-first authors
Coutu D+, Kokkaliaris KD+, Kunz L, Schroeder T. Three-dimensional map of nonhematopoietic bone and bone-marrow cells and molecules. Nature Biotechnology, 2017; 35(12):1202-1210. + co-first authors (Cover story)

... ist Ihr Profil gefragt

Master’s degree in life sciences, biology or equivalent
Experience in basic laboratory techniques (i.e. molecular biology)
Passion for discovery, collaborative spirit & good communication skills
Previous experience in immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry and imaging is a plus
Felasa accreditation or previous experience with animal models is a plus
Proficiency in spoken and written English
Due to legal regulations, valid proof of measles immunity / measles vaccination is required.

... wird Ihnen viel geboten

Scientific Environment: Excellent scientific environment & dedicated mentoring, training on cutting-edge single-cell technologies
Collaboration: Collaboration opportunities with national & international expert laboratories
Mobility: Free public transport in all Hessen (Free State Ticket Hessen)
Training: Participation in training and qualification programs of the MSNZ and the Goethe University
Collective agreement: The position (65% - E 13) is initially limited for 3 years with the possibility for extension
Work-Life-Balance: Part-time employment is possible, we offer childcare in our daycare center (if you have any questions, please contact UKF-Familienservice), child care during holidays
Campus: Our attractive university hospital campus offers a modern cafeteria, various cafes, and opportunities to rest in numerous green spaces. A walk on the riverside of the Main offers relaxation during breaks
Health Promotion: Benefit from our attractive health offers. We offer regular online and face-to-face courses on nutrition, relaxation, sports and exercise.

Werden Sie jetzt Teil unseres Teams

Contact: Dr. Konstantinos Kokkaliaris
Mail: kokkaliaris@med.uni-frankfurt.de
application deadline: May9th, 2025
Application documents: CV, short motivation statement (1 page maximum) and one reference letter

We are targeting applicants of all genders and nationalities. Applicants with handicap will be preferred if personal and professional skills are equivalent.

JETZT BEWERBEN

… sind Sie mittendrin in der Medizin von morgen

Genau hier sind Sie mittendrin in der Medizin von morgen. Die Universitätsmedizin Frankfurt gehört zu den führenden Universitätskliniken in Deutschland. Bei uns ziehen über 8.500 Menschen aus über 100 Nationen an einem Strang. Aus Wissen wird Gesundheit – das ist dabei unser täglicher Antrieb. Denn wir verbinden Krankenversorgung mit Forschung und Lehre, begrüßen den Fortschritt und entwickeln uns selbst immer weiter. So leisten wir einen wichtigen Beitrag für die Gesundheit und die Lebensqualität von über 500.000 Patientinnen und Patienten jährlich: kompetent, gewissenhaft und mit Leidenschaft.