Phd Student Position In Artificial Tumor Immune Microenvironments Immunotherapy Screening

PHD STUDENT POSITION IN ARTIFICIAL TUMOR IMMUNE MICROENVIRONMENTS FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY SCREENING IN BREAST CANCER (F/M/D)

The INM – Leibniz Institute for New Materials in Saarbrücken, Germany, is an internationally leading center for materials research, a scientific partner to national and international research institutions, and a provider of research and development for companies throughout the world. The INM is an institute of the Leibniz Association and has about 250 employees.

INM’s research group Immuno-Materials combines expertise from synthetic biology, biomaterials and immunology to develop new approaches for studying and improving immune therapies.

Do you have a background in cell biology, biomaterials or cancer immunology (or related fields) and are you looking for a PhD position? This might be something for you!

Starting on May 1st, 2026 (with flexibility).

We have pioneered the development of synthetic tumor immune microenvironments, engineered from artificial cells that mimic immune functions within tumors (Piernitzki et al., Nature Communications, 2025). This platform enables the creation of artificial tumor microenvironments with precisely defined properties, allowing systematic investigation of therapy resistance mechanisms, particularly in solid tumors. In this PhD project, this approach will be applied to uncover how the tumor immune microenvironment differs between breast cancer tumors and metastatic lesions, and how these differences shape varying responses to immunotherapies.

To achieve this, spheroid and organoid models will be combined with synthetic biology strategies and state‑of‑the‑art molecular profiling to dissect the microenvironmental drivers of immunotherapy resistance.

• Investigate the role of the tumor immune microenvironment in breast cancer immune therapy
• Develop and form cancer spheroid and organoid cultures (from cell lines and primary patient cells) with artificial tumor immune microenvironments
• Engineer synthetic cells with immunological properties
• Perform in vitro assays for different immunotherapeutic modalities, specifically focused on bispecific T cell engagers therapies and antibody‑drug conjugates
• Isolate and culture primary human T cells to create CAR T cells
• Analyze RNA sequencing‑based transcriptomic data sets
• Perform immune‑staining with flow cytometry analysis, advanced microscopy techniques (light‑sheet microscopy, confocal fluorescence microscopy) and biochemical assays to assess cancer phenotypes

• Master degree in cell biology, biomaterials, immunology, cancer biology biophysics (or related fields). Experience in (3D) cell culturing, fluorescence microscopy and RNA sequencing transcriptomics analysis is ideal.
• Interest in working with an international and multi‑disciplinary team. Self‑driven and hands‑on personality. Organization and prioritization skills.
• Very good communication skills in English.

• An emergent hot research topic with multiple opportunities to contribute and interact with the growing community and industrial partners.
• An existing team with expertise and drive to move forward synthetic biology in cancer immunotherapy. A well‑structured onboarding process and clear responsibilities.
• A highly professional and supportive working environment with an open and international culture.
• Strong support of training and career development towards an outstanding profile at the intersection of cancer immunotherapy and biomaterials.
• Flexible working hours and mobile working opportunity.
• A EG 13 TV‑L position and 3 year contract.

We are looking forward to receiving your application (CV, Master certificate or transcripts of record, motivation letter) by March 8th, 2026
. Please send it via our online applications system (single pdf file < 5 MB). For further information on this position, please contact the head of the Immuno Materials Group Dr. Oskar Staufer ().

The INM practices an open and appreciative corporate culture in which the existing diversity is promoted and lived. The institute is an equal opportunity employer with a certified family‑friendly policy, and it provides offers for a better work‑life balance, flextime, and mobile working. We promote professional opportunities for women and strongly encourage them to apply. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualifications and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.