The Department of Internal Medicine I, Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation at University Medical Center, Dr. Janaki Manoja Vinnakota (PI) is seeking a highly motivated PhD student (m/f/d) in a basic and translational research project examining immune escape mechanisms in acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
PhD Position (m/f/d)
Project title: Oncogenic Signaling and Immune Escape in AML
The project will delineate how T cells, myeloid cells, and leukemic blasts interact within the AML microenvironment to establish immune evasion. The project aims at deciphering how oncogenic signaling in AML shapes the microenvironment and immune escape, and identify pathway-level therapeutic targets with translational potential.
We offer:
- a modern and collaborative research environment within the Oncology and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine I
- Integration into the Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1479 “OncoEscape” and participation in the IRTG structured doctoral program (courses, workshops, retreats, mentoring)
- Training in AML cell culture systems, immune profiling, and in vivo leukemia models
- close collaboration with clinical and bioinformatics teams and involvement in translational AML research
- a supportive and international research team with strong opportunities for scientific and career development
- close scientific supervision tailored to fostering independence and scientific development
Your Responsibilities:
- carry out mechanistic studies in AML tumor immunology and oncogenic signaling, with a focus on elucidating the molecular and cellular mechanisms that enable immune escape
- perform AML cell culture, co-culture systems, and functional immunological assays
- employ in vivo (mouse) leukemia models to investigate leukemia–immune system interactions
- conduct knockout and pathway-intervention studies (e.g., CRISPR-based gene editing) to functionally interrogate oncogenic drivers of immune escape in vitro and in vivo
- execute immune profiling using flow cytometry and related technologies
- analyze primary patient-derived AML samples, including immunophenotyping and molecular profiling (in collaboration with clinical partners)
- engage in interdisciplinary collaboration with clinical, computational, and CRC1479 research partners
Your profile:
- Master’s degree in Molecular Medicine, Biology or a related discipline
- experience in basic cell culture and molecular biology required
- experience in flow cytometry and/or in vivo mouse models is an advantage
- strong interest in translational cancer immunology, oncogenic signaling, and T-cell and myeloid-cell biology
- independent, well-organized working style, highly motivated and team-oriented
- excellent communication skills in English
A position (65%, TVL), initially limited to 2 years, with the possibility of renewal.
Please submit your application online with the following documents:
- Motivation Letter
- CV
- Copy of graduation certificates
- Any other relevant documents
- One or two letters of reference
University Medical Center Freiburg
Department of Internal Medicine I
Dr. Janaki Manoja Vinnakota
Centre for Translational Cell Research (ZTZ)
Breisacher Str. 115, 79110 Freiburg
For further inquiries, please contact:
Dr. Janaki Manoja Vinnakota
janaki.vinnakota@uniklinik-freiburg.de
(Please apply through the online portal, do not send your application to this E-Mail address)
