PhD Student in Tumor Immunology; m​/f​/d

Overview

The research group of Dr. Nana Talvard-Balland at the Centre for Translational Cell Research (ZTZ), Department of Internal Medicine I (Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, is looking for a highly motivated PhD student in Tumor Immunology.

The Talvard-Balland laboratory investigates immune responses following allogeneic transplantation, with a particular emphasis on immune escape mechanisms and T cell biology. Our work focuses on understanding how hematological malignancies evade immune surveillance, including the role of oncogenic signaling pathways in tumor immune escape. By dissecting the complex interactions between immune cells and tumor cells, we aim to develop strategies to enhance anti-tumor immunity and improve immunotherapies.

To achieve this, we use preclinical animal models and innovative in vivo imaging technologies that enable real-time and longitudinal analysis of tumor progression, treatment responses, and immune dynamics, contributing to the development of new therapeutic approaches to improve patient outcomes. The PhD student will perform mechanistic studies using in vitro systems, in vivo preclinical mouse models, and patient samples to investigate leukemia-immune cell interactions.

The project will be embedded in the Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1479 “Onco Escape”, providing an excellent and highly collaborative research environment with close interaction between clinical and basic tumor biologists and immunologists. The project will further benefit from access to advanced imaging technologies within the CRC 1479.

• a highly multidisciplinary, collaborative, and international research environment
• integration into the structured IRTG doctoral program of the CRC 1479 (including courses, workshops, retreats, and mentoring)
• opportunity to gain expertise in innovative techniques such as scRNAseq, spectral flow cytometry, and in vivo imaging
• a translational research project with strong potential for clinical relevance
• a TV-L (65%) position, initially limited to 3 years, with the possibility of extension

• Master’s degree in molecular medicine, immunology, molecular biology or a related discipline
• strong interest in translational cancer immunology research, oncogenic signaling and T cell biology
• hands-on experience in cell culture and flow cytometry
• experience with in vivo mouse models (Felasa certificate) is an advantage
• good language skills in English, as well as the desire to work in an English-speaking laboratory environment

Please submit your application online with the following documents:

• CV
• Copy of graduation certificates
• Copy of University grades
• One or two letters of reference
• Any other relevant documents

Do you have questions? Please contact:
Nana Talvard-Balland Ph.D., nana.talvard-b (Please apply through the online portal, do not send your application to this E-Mail address)

General information:
Salary is assigned according to a pay scale. Unless prevented by operational or legal reasons, full-time positions are generally open to those wishing to job share. When two candidates are equally suitable for a post, severely disabled candidates are given priority. Employment decisions are made by the Personnel Department.