Initiativbewerbung als Doktorand

Initiative Application as a Doctoral Student (All Genders)

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft () is one of the world's leading organizations for applied research. 74 institutes develop pioneering technologies for our economy and society – specifically: 30,000 people from technology, science, administration, and IT. They know:
Those who come to Fraunhofer want and can make a difference. For themselves, for us, and the markets of today and tomorrow. At the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI we combine the competencies of our employees to drive medical progress forward. We focus our attention on cell and gene therapy, active and vaccine substances, molecular and immunodiagnostics, and other innovative topics.

We are the professional home for scientists, engineers, laboratory technicians, and administrative staff who work together to serve health. Are you looking for a way to expand your theoretical knowledge with practical experience as part of your doctorate? Then you are in the right place with us! At Fraunhofer IZI we are regularly looking for committed talents who want to carry out top-level research with us.

Our institute researchers work on exciting projects and develop individual products and services for our clients, mainly from the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. The research focus is on immuno-oncology and infection pathology. Immuno-oncology offers an innovative approach in cancer therapy and extends the classic procedures such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. The immune system is specifically activated to effectively combat degenerate cells.

Our researchers work on the development of new immunotherapies that can expand the treatment spectrum in the future and give patients new hope. Together with our partners, we drive the implementation of these groundbreaking approaches into clinical practice. Infection diseases represent a constant challenge for global health – for humans and animals. To counteract these threats, we research the mechanisms of disease transmission and development as well as innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Our team in infection pathology works closely with international partners to develop technologies for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases. During your doctorate, you will gain exciting insights into the daily life of a research institution and can apply theoretical knowledge from your studies in a practical context. You will get to know our structures and processes in the scientific and technical business areas and can actively contribute and implement your ideas with great scope for initiative.

Use this springboard for your career start in the research and development environment and take an important step in your professional development. You can gladly specify a subject area or a topic that particularly interests you in your initiative application. An overview of our business areas and departments can be found here.

Here you make a difference

You will have the opportunity to gain valuable practical experience in the life science environment as part of your doctorate. Your daily work is characterized by independent and systematic experimental work; you have access to numerous technologies and interesting cooperation options within the institute. You work closely with experienced colleagues as well as renowned scientific partners in Germany and abroad. In the support of our scientific young talent, you actively share your knowledge.

You contribute here

• You have completed a scientific university degree in the medical, technical, or natural sciences with above-average success.
• Ideally, you already have experience in national or international project work in the research field or in a research-related environment. However, in any case, please include a short cover letter in your application in which you explain your motivation for a doctorate with the Fraunhofer IZI. Optionally, you can also indicate if you are particularly interested in a specific research area.
• You are comfortable communicating in German and English and enjoy working in an interdisciplinary team.
• Your working style is…