Marie-Curie (MSCA) PhD Student in Microbiome Research with a Bioinformatic Focus

(We are targeting applicants of all genders)
Full time | limited to 3 years | Announcement number: 917-2024

The Department of Hematology/Oncology at University Hospital Frankfurt offers a broad diagnostic and therapeutic spectrum for patients with solid tumors and malignant diseases of the hematopoietic system.

The research group led by Dr. Sebastian Scheich is dedicated to investigating the crosstalk between the microbiome and disease outcomes, particularly cancer, in preclinical rodent models and clinical patient samples. The current project is funded through an EU Horizon MSCA doctoral network. The lab is embedded within the Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI) and is further supported by grants from the Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung, Deutsche Krebshilfe, and BMBF. It is part of a vibrant research environment within the FCI and maintains lively international collaborations.

The research team is also integrated into the excellent research infrastructure of the University Hospital Frankfurt, the Frankfurt Cancer Institute, and the DKTK partner site Frankfurt. Moreover, the department works closely with the Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene and the Department of Infectious Diseases. The lab maintains a close collaboration with the group of Prof. Dr. Florian Büttner to develop bioinformatic tools.

Your role

• The current research position is embedded in the TargetRNA project, an EU Horizon funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA) doctoral training network ().
• Study microbiota changes upon administration of compounds active against riboswitches and novel small molecules developed in other project parts in the consortium.
• Conduction of microbiota-related experiments in small rodent models (mice).
• Utilization of 16S-sequencing and metagenomic sequencing of complex samples including library preparation and hands-on sequencing on own sequencers.
• FACS-based immune profiling.
• Single cell RNA-sequencing on two in house available platforms (BD Rhapsody and 10X Genomics).
• Bioinformatic analysis of sequencing data together with other datasets (e.g. FACS data, single cell data) using multiomic integration models.

Who you are

• A master’s degree or equivalent in biology, biochemistry, molecular medicine, bioinformatics or related fields.
• Mobility rule: No residence or main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months in the last three years.
• Comfort to work with rodent models.
• Strong bioinformatic background or highly interested in large scale data analysis using e.g. R.
• A high level of motivation, flexibility and responsibility as well as very good communication skills in German or English are expected.
• Expertise in experimental techniques (e.g. high throughput sequencing analyses, mouse models, FACS analysis) is an advantage.
• Motivation to learn, apply and establish new techniques, ability to critically analyze and reflect data.
• Good skills with the following programs python, R, Adobe Illustrator, MS Office is an advantage.
• Good English language skills.
• Due to legal regulations, valid proof of measles immunity / measles vaccination is required.

What we offer

• Collective agreement: In addition to an attractive salary based on a collective agreement with an annual special payment, you benefit from long-term security through company pension schemes. This collective agreement is 3342 living allowance and 600 mobility allowance, according to the MSCA work program.
• Attractive working environment: We offer you an interesting, versatile and attractive working environment in a highly motivated, international team consisting of MDs and PhDs with background in basic science, immunology, computational analysis/modeling and translational cancer research.
• Training program:Access to comprehensive further training program with access to DKTK School of Oncology and Mildred-Scheel Network.
• Collaboration:Scientific collaborations with leading international labs in the US and in Europe.
• 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 on the riverside of the Main offers relaxation during breaks
• 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
• Health Promotion: Benefit from our attractive health offers. We offer regular online and face-to-face courses on nutrition, relaxation, sports and exercise.
• Professional development: Internal and external training for your professional development
• Any questions? Many answers can be found in our FAQs for new employees. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Women are underrepresented in these positions at the University Hospital Frankfurt. Applications from women are therefore particularly welcome. Disabled applicants are preferred if they have the same personal and professional qualifications.

Join our team

Use the time until December 15, 2024 to apply. Please submit your online application including a possible starting date and your salary expectations. For further information regarding the position and project, please contact Dr. Sebastian Scheich via e-mail: s.scheich@med.uni-frankfurt.de or Hanne Platzer via phone: +49 69 6301 6566.