TVöD-Bund E13 65%, from 01 November 2026, 3-year initial term, with possibility of extension, Open to EU and non-EU candidates
The Vander Mause Lab, Experimental Cell Therapy, is seeking a PhD student (m/f/div) with a background in cell therapy or immunology. The candidate will use comprehensive multi-omics data to guide state-of-the-art methods in protein design and genetic engineering to develop and characterize the next generation of precision cell therapies for clinical translation.
The Experimental Cell Therapy lab is part of the Systems Rheumatology program area at the DRFZ in Berlin and is a joint research group with the Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (LIT) in Regensburg, Germany. This PhD position will be integrated into the doctoral environment at the DRFZ in Berlin, which has its own graduate program and access to partner programs. The program brings together like-minded PhD students from across Berlin and offers a variety of graduate training programs and events.
The German Rheumatology Research Center (DRFZ), an Institute of the Leibniz Association, was founded in 1988 and is unique in Germany in its focus on rheumatic diseases. Today, the DRFZ ranks among the world’s leading institutes in the fields of immunology, experimental rheumatology and the epidemiology of rheumatic diseases. The unique interdisciplinary collaboration among experts in biology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, chemistry, physics, medicine, sociology, and statistics is a key factor in this. The research focuses on the causes, progression, and management of rheumatic diseases.
Requirements
- M.D and/or MSc in immunology, cell biology, bioinformatics, biochemistry, or similar.
- Experience preferred in cell culture (primary T cell culture preferred), molecular biology, viral production, and protein expression, purification, and characterization techniques.
- Bioinformatics and sequencing experience is a plus.
- Organizational skills, willingness to learn, and enthusiasm for science.
- Fluent in English.
We offer
- A salary according to the German salary scale TVöD-Bund E13, 65%.
- Integration into a dynamic and exciting research environment focused on impactful science, with access to state-of-the-art technologies and continuous training opportunities.
- Integration in DRFZ´s graduate program, which is run in cooperation with Berlin universities
Your application should include (in one combined pdf):
- Cover letter, curriculum vitae, list of publications
- Summary of your previous work experience (max. 1 page)
- Contact information of 2 references.
Please send your completed application to Dr. Erica Vander Mause ([email protected]) by September 1, 2026
The DRFZ is committed to being an equal opportunity employer. Applications from underrepresented race, ethnicity, gender identity, physical ability, and nationality groups, who meet the recruitment requirements, are highly encouraged.
German Rheumatology Research Center (DRFZ)
An Institute of the Leibniz Association
Charitéplatz 1
10117 Berlin
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