Summary
Join an ambitious ERC-funded research project at the University Hospital Würzburg, focusing on the development of next-generation genome-engineering technologies to enable the direct generation of therapeutic CAR-T cells inside the human body. This PhD position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to pioneering research at the intersection of genome engineering, immunology, and cell therapy, with significant translational potential for cancer immunotherapy.
PhD Position: Engineering Next-Generation In Vivo CAR-T Cell Therapies with CRISPR 2.0
Designation
PhD Candidate (m/f/d)
Scholarship Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Employment Type | Full-time, Fixed-Term |
| Duration | Until January 1, 2027 |
| Funding | ERC-funded research project |
| Remuneration | Attractive salary according to TV-L incl. annual special payment |
| Benefits | Training and Continuing Education, Retirement Pension Plan, Company daycare center, Company sports program, Flexible Working Hours, JobBike, Corporate Benefits |
Research Area
- CRISPR 2.0 and next-generation genome engineering
- CAR-T cell and immune-cell engineering
- In vivo cell engineering and targeted delivery technologies
- Synthetic immunology
- Molecular and cellular biology
- Advanced functional characterization of engineered T cells
- Translational cancer research
Location
University Hospital Würzburg, Germany
Eligibility/Qualification
Required Profile
- A Master’s degree or equivalent in molecular biology, biomedicine, biotechnology, biochemistry, immunology, or a related field.
- A strong interest in CRISPR technologies, genome engineering, and/or CAR-T cell biology.
- Experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques.
- Motivation to learn new technologies and work across disciplinary boundaries.
- A collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for ambitious, technology-driven research.
- Good communication skills in English.
Advantageous (but not required)
- Previous experience with genome editing, primary T-cell culture, flow cytometry, viral or non-viral delivery technologies, or CAR-T cells.
Note: For university degrees from non-EU countries, a long version of the certificate evaluation from the Central Office for Foreign Education is required.
Scholarship Description
This PhD project offers an exceptional opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research with high translational impact. You will work on a highly challenging scientific question that has the potential to transform the future of CAR-T cell therapies. The position provides broad interdisciplinary training, allowing you to develop expertise across multiple innovative research areas.
You will benefit from close mentorship while gradually developing your own research ideas and scientific profile. Access to state-of-the-art technologies, including advanced genome-engineering tools, cellular engineering platforms, and modern analytical methods, is provided. As part of an ERC-funded research environment, you will contribute to high-risk/high-gain projects and collaborate with researchers across multiple disciplines, preparing you for excellent career prospects in academia, biotechnology, cell and gene therapy, or pharmaceutical R&D.
Your Tasks will include:
- Develop and optimize CRISPR 2.0 genome-engineering strategies for human T cells.
- Establish innovative approaches for the direct generation of CAR-T cells in vivo.
- Develop and evaluate viral and non-viral delivery strategies for genome-editing components.
- Characterize engineered CAR-T cells using molecular, cellular, and functional assays.
- Assess the efficacy, specificity, and safety of novel genome-engineering approaches.
- Contribute your own ideas to an ambitious ERC-funded research project at the interface of genome editing, immunology, and cell therapy.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Karl Petri.
Contact Person:
Dr. Karl Petri
Emmy Noether Gruppenleiter
Tel: +49931 201 44817
Last Date for Apply
October 31, 2026
Apply Link
