Unsolicited Application as a Doctoral Student

The Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI researches and develops special problem solutions at the interface of medicine, biosciences and engineering. One of its main tasks is contract research for biotechnological, pharmaceutical and medical technology companies, clinics, diagnostic laboratories and research institutions.

Are you looking for an opportunity to expand your theoretical knowledge with practical experience as part of your dissertation? Then you've come to the right place! At Fraunhofer IZI, we regularly supervise committed talents who want to conduct cutting-edge research with us.

At our institute, our employees conduct research on exciting projects and develop individual products and services for our clients, primarily from the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. Research at the Fraunhofer IZI focuses on the fields of Immuno-Oncology and Infectious Disease Pathology.

For a few years now, immuno-oncology has complemented the traditional methods of cancer therapy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery. Here, medicine utilizes the natural function of the immune system to eliminate foreign and malignant cells using a variety of mechanisms. The Fraunhofer IZI supports partners in the development and translation of innovative immunotherapies with its Immuno-Oncology research unit.

Infectious diseases continue to pose a global threat to human and animal health. Understanding the spread, pathogenesis and diagnostic options is essential for effectively combating them. The Fraunhofer IZI's Infectious Disease Pathology research unit supports partners in the development and translation of technologies for researching, diagnosing, preventing and treating infectious diseases.

During your dissertation, you will gain exciting insights into the everyday life of a research institution and can apply theoretical knowledge from your studies in a practical way. You will get to know our structures and processes in the scientific-technical and commercial business areas and can actively contribute and implement your ideas with a great deal of creative freedom. Use this springboard to launch your career in the research and development environment and take an important step in your professional development. In your unsolicited application, you are welcome to specify an area or topic that you are particularly interested in. You can find an overview of our business areas and departments here.

What you will do

• You will have the opportunity to gain valuable practical experience during your dissertation in the context of exciting projects in the life sciences environment - at one of the leading research organizations in Europe.
• Your day-to-day work will be characterized by independent and systematic experimental work; you will have access to numerous technologies and interesting cooperation options within the institute.
• You will work closely with experienced colleagues and renowned scientific partners in Germany and abroad.
• You will actively pass on your knowledge by supervising our young scientists.

What you bring to the table

• You have completed a scientific university degree in the medical, technical or natural sciences with above-average results.
• Ideally, you already have experience in national or international project work in the field of research or in a research-related environment.
• You are able to communicate confidently in German and English and enjoy working in an interdisciplinary team.
• Your way of working is characterized by commitment and initiative and you approach new challenges independently and flexibly.

What you can expect

• Thanks to our close links with industry, creative research freedom meets real added value for society. You will help shape the medicine of tomorrow and gain exciting insights into the leading organization for application-oriented research in Europe.
• You will be part of a dedicated team and have the opportunity to actively shape your area of work and contribute your ideas. Our flat management hierarchy supports the independent work of our employees.
• The doctoral positions at Fraunhofer are designed in such a way that you will be involved in ongoing projects right from the start, but will also have sufficient time available for your dissertation. In addition to a scientific supervisor, you will also be assigned an independent mentor for each doctoral project. Your professional qualification and interdisciplinary skills will be supported by a modular training concept. Further information on our doctoral program can be found here.
• Cutting-edge research is only possible with cutting-edge equipment: with a total of almost 8000 m² of laboratory space, we offer you everything a researcher's heart desires.
• With flexible working hours, part-time models, home office options and trust-based working hours, we enable free and self-determined time management.
• Sometimes family comes first - we know that! That's why we offer a wide range of support services to help reconcile family and career (e.g. parent-child office, childcare facility at the institute, pme family service, support services provided by our partner voiio).
• Additional benefits: 30 days' vacation based on a 5-day week (Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve are also work-free with us), special annual payment, time off in lieu for overtime, company pension plan, capital-forming benefits, a discounted Germany Job Ticket for public transport, free parking and secure bicycle parking spaces with charging stations for electric vehicles and discounted employee prices in the institute canteen.

Curious to find out more? Here you can get an insight about what it's like to work at the Fraunhofer IZI and the benefits we offer our employees.

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity.

Interested? Apply online now via our career portal. We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position, please contact:

Lea-Sophie Fingerhut
Strategic Personnel Development & Recruiting
Phone: +49 341/35536-9224

Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI

Requisition Number: 71127                Application Deadline: