"Knowledge becomes health" - we are filling this motto with life every day, developing new ideas and improv-ing old-established knowledge. The University Hospital Frankfurt has existed since 1914. Our around 7,500 employees contribute with their skills and knowledge to the 33 specialist clinics, theoretical clinical institutes, and administrative departments. The close connection of health care with research and teaching, as well as a climate of collegiality, internationality, and cross-professional cooperation characterize the university hospital.

PhD Student – “Molecular Precision Medicine for Hormone-Driven Cancers” group

(We are targeting applicants of all genders)
Full-time| imited | Ausschreibungsnummer: 411-2023

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join our “Molecular Precision Medicine for Hormone-Driven Cancers" research group at the Department of Urology (Director: Prof. Felix Chun) and the Mildred Scheel Career Center (MSNZ) Frankfurt, an excellence program supporting careers in translational cancer research (funded by the German Cancer Aid). The lab, headed by Dr. Anne Fassl, specializes in interrogating canonical and non-canonical functions of cell cycle regulators to develop novel strategies for targeted therapies in breast and prostate cancer.

Project Description
This project aims to extend our understanding of CDK4/6 inhibition in breast cancer and prostate cancer. Proliferation of breast and prostate cancer cells is particularly dependent on Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 signaling as CDK4/6 are drivers of cell cycle progression. The addition of CDK4/6 inhibitors to anti-hormone-therapy in breast cancer marked a breakthrough in breast cancer treatment, but initial clinical trials, currently underway, in prostate cancer have shown limited success. It is unclear why CDK4/6 inhibition is effective in hormonally-driven breast but not prostate cancer. In this project we will investigate the biological basis for the limited efficiency of CDK4/6 inhibition in prostate cancer and develop effective CDK4/6 inhibitor-based treatment strategies for prostate cancer.

Your role

  • Planning and conducting cancer biology experiments
  • Development and optimization of experimental methods in molecular biology
  • Processing and visualization of research data and presentation of scientific data at conferences
  • Interdisciplinary cooperation with scientists and clinicians in the fields of medicine, (bio)informatics and (bio)chemistry
  • Publication of scientific results and participation in the acquisition of third-party funding

Your profile

  • Master’s degree in life sciences or equivalent
  • Experience in basic laboratory techniques (i.e. molecular biology, tissue culture etc.)
  • Interactive personality, collaborative spirit & good communication and documentation skills
  • Passion for basic science and discovery
  • Proficiency in spoken and written English
  • Due to legal regulation, a valid proof of measles immunity / measles vaccination is required.

What we offer

  • Environment: Excellent scientific environment & dedicated mentoring
  • Collaboration: Collaboration opportunities with national & international world-leading laboratories
  • Professional development: Training in basic as well as cutting-edge techniques (CRISPR screen, scRNA-seq, Mass Cytometry) as well as participation in training and qualification programs of the MSNZ and the Goethe Uni-versity.
  • Collective agreement: Attractive salary based on a collective agreement (65% - E 13) which is initially limited to 3 years with the possibility for extension.
  • Mobility: Free public transport in all Hessen (Free State Ticket Hessen)
  • Campus: Our attractive university hospital campus offers a modern cafeteria, various cafes, and opportunities to rest in numerous green spaces. A walk along 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.

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

Join our team!

Please submit your application including your CV, motivation statement and contact information of 2-3 references by June 1, 2023. For further information regarding the position and/or project, please contact Dr. Anne Fassl (anne.fassl@kgu.de).

An overview of the MSNZ program and opportunities is available at www.msnz-frankfurt.com.

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