33 Doctoral Positions in the Neuroblastoma Evolution Integrated Research Training Group (IRTG)

The Neuroblastoma Evolution Integrated Research Training Group (IRTG) is embedded in the soon-to-be-established Collaborative Research Center CRC1588 funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) with a focus on “Decoding and Targeting Mechanisms of Neuroblastoma Evolution”. It will start on October 1^st, 2023. CRC1588 is a multidisciplinary research consortium with partners in Berlin (Charité, Berlin Institute of Health and Max Delbrück Center), University and University Hospital Cologne, University of Würzburg, University Hospital Tübingen and the German Cancer Research Institute (DKFZ).

The main research focus within CRC1588 lies on neuroblastoma, a devastating childhood cancer, which still represents a great challenge for the pediatric oncologist. Recent studies indicate that the major features of treatment failure are driven by the complex process of tumor evolution in this disease. We postulate that intense interplay occurs in neuroblastoma evolution between (i) genetic and non-genetic evolutionary mechanisms and (ii) genomic and phenotypic intratumor heterogeneity. The central idea in CRC1588 is that this interplay drives neuroblastoma cells to evade therapy. An excellent mentoring environment to support dissertation, research and training of junior researchers is a central part of CRC1588.

We offer a structured 3-year and 9 month doctoral program jointly educating talented life scientists and physicians/medical graduates in the fascinating field of Neuroblastoma Research and Pediatric Oncology. Successful applicants will be offered doctoral positions (0,65 FTE positions for wet-lab and 0,75 FTE positions for bioinformatics PhDs) in research groups within CRC1588 and will work on cutting edge research projects in the areas of:

• Tumor immunology

• Cancer biology

• Bioinformatics

Students can expect excellent research conditions in highly renowned working groups and a comprehensive curriculum (seminars, workshops, lecture series), travel grants, a broad supervision and mentoring network and an inspiring team spirit among CRC members. For more information about the Neuroblastoma Evolution IRTG and a full list of our CRC1588 faculty members please visit: https://www.bsio-cancerschool.de/crc1588

Who can apply?

We are looking for excellent candidates with a Master’s degree in Life science/Bioinformatics. You will need a strong academic background and an exceptional motivation for cancer research.

Are you interested?

For more information about the CRC, the PIs, the project and the application process including the required application documents please visit: https://www.bsio-cancerschool.de/crc1588.

You are invited to submit your application by August 6th, 2023 via our online application portal: https://portal.bihealth.de/portal/SitePages/Portal.aspx.

Please note that we cannot accept applications via email.

The program will admit students in autumn/winter 2023 (the earliest start date October 1^st, 2023).

Any questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us at: irtg-sfb1588@charite.de