Job Description

We are recruiting PhD students through the DKFZ International PhD Program to join our group at the interface of extracellular vesicle biology, Wnt signaling, and translational cancer research.

🧬 The projects focus on how early Wnt pathway mutations in colorectal cancer shape intercellular communication via extracellular vesicles, with the aim to translate these insights into early detection, prevention, and biomarker strategies.

👩🏻‍🔬👨🏽‍🔬 We are looking for candidates with:
• a Master’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, or a related field
• hands-on experience in cell culture and molecular biology (experience with CRISPR/Cas9, organoids, or EVs is a plus)
• exposure to imaging, proteomics workflows, or computational/data analysis is beneficial but not required
• a strong interest in cancer biology, translational research, and biomarker development
• a structured and proactive working style, strong analytical thinking, and a collaborative, supportive team mindset

The positions are embedded in a highly interdisciplinary environment across DKFZ German Cancer Research Center, NCT Heidelberg – National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, and University Hospital Heidelberg (UKHD).

Applications are handled exclusively via the DKFZ International PhD Program Selection, Deadline April 21, 2026: https://www.dkfz.de/en/career/international-phd-program