At the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, we bring together the expertise of our employees to drive medical progress. Our focus is on cell and gene therapy, pharmaceuticals and vaccines, molecular and immune diagnostics, and other innovative topics. We are the professional home for scientists, engineers, laboratory technicians, and administrative staff who work together in the service of health.

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

Immuno-oncology offers an innovative approach to cancer therapy and complements traditional methods such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery. The immune system is specifically activated in order to effectively combat abnormal cells. Our researchers are working on the development of new immunotherapies that will expand the range of treatments in the future and give patients new hope. Together with our partners, we at the Fraunhofer IZI are driving forward the implementation of these pioneering approaches in clinical practice.

Infectious diseases pose a constant challenge to global health - for humans and animals. To counteract these threats, we at Fraunhofer IZI are researching the mechanisms of disease transmission and development as well as innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Our infectious disease pathology team works closely with international partners to develop technologies for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases.

During your doctorate, you will gain insights into the day-to-day work of a research institution and have the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge you have acquired during your studies in a practical setting. 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 in the context of exciting projects in the life sciences.
• 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. In any case, please include a short cover letter with your application in which you explain your motivation for a doctorate with the Fraunhofer IZI. There, you can also optionally indicate whether you are particularly interested in a specific research area.
• You are able to communicate confidently in German and/or 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 doctorate. In addition to a scientific supervisor, you will also be assigned an independent mentor for your 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, support services by the pme family service).
• 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.

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

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

Do you have questions about the position or the application process? We’re here for you: 

Lea-Sophie Fingerhut
Strategic Personnel Development & Recruiting
Email: bewerbung@izi.fraunhofer.de  
Phone: +49 341/35536-9224

Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI

Requisition Number: 81702                Application Deadline: