PhD candidate (f/m/d) - #1000636

The Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften - ISAS - e. V. develops efficient analytical methods for health research. Thus, it contributes to the improvement of the prevention, early diagnosis, and therapy of diseases like cardiovascular diseases or cancer. Overall, the institute strives to advance precision medicine by combining knowledge from different fields such as biology, chemistry, computer science, medicine, pharmacology, and physics. ISAS is a member of the Leibniz Association and is publicly funded by the Federal Republic of Germany and its federal states.

We invite applications for the Research Group Biofluorescence:

PhD candidate (f/m/d)

Your tasks:

• Experimental setup and execution of neutrophil functional profiling in the context of melanoma immune regulation and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) response
• Functional assays of neutrophils including migration, phagocytosis, and ROS production
• Optimization and standardization of neutrophil functional assays for primary human samples
• Few-cell proteomics for deep molecular characterization of neutrophil subsets
• Multicolor flow cytometry of PBMCs and immune cell populations
• Live-cell imaging and advanced microscopy for dynamic immune cell behavior analysis
• Planning and execution of stimulation and inhibition experiments to dissect signaling pathways regulating neutrophil function in the melanoma context
• Data processing, analysis, interpretation, and visualization of experimental results in collaboration with computational partners
  
  

Your profile:

• Completed diploma or master’s degree in molecular biology, cancer biology, immunology, cell biology, bioinformatics, translational medicine or related disciplines
• Experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques, ideally with hands-on experience with functional immune cell assays (preferably with neutrophils or myeloid cells) is an advantage
• Strong interest in melanoma biology, tumor immunology, immune checkpoint therapy, translational cancer research, and tumor–immune interactions
• Experience with cell culture, flow cytometry, microscopy, proteomics workflows or high-dimensional immune profiling approaches is desirable
• Experience with bioinformatics or biostatistics is beneficial but not required
• Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams, with strong organizational skills and analytical thinking
• High level of self-motivation, scientific curiosity, reliability, creativity, and team-oriented personality with enthusiasm to work in a collaborative research environment
• Fluent in spoken and written English
  
  

We offer:

• A clear research topic as well as multifold training and support for PhD students in framework of ISAS and the Leibniz association
• Opportunities for scientific training and development in an international environment and an excellent working atmosphere in a very dynamic and professional team
• Access to state-of-the-art technologies including few-cell proteomics, high-dimensional flow cytometry, and advanced microscopy platforms
• Integration into an interdisciplinary, internationally visible, translation-oriented cancer immunology research network
• The opportunity to present your data on international conferences and participate in workshops
• A wide range of opportunities for further training and qualifications
• Flexible working times, mobile working and attractive social benefits
• Family-friendly infrastructure and support from a family service
  
  

Non-residents who apply for this job will receive help from the institute to find accommodation and to handle authorities. Applications from disabled applicants are welcome. ISAS supports the principle of equal opportunity for all employees and therefore particularly encourages women to apply.

The part-time position (65%) starts on October 1, 2026, and is offered until June 30, 2030. The salary will be according to the German TV-L and falls within the pay group 13. The time limitation of the contract is based on the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (WissZeitVG).

ISAS collects and processes the personal data of its applicants in accordance with European and German legal regulations. Further information on data protection and the processing of personal data can be found at: https://www.isas.de/en/datenschutz.

The closing date for applications is August 14, 2026. Please apply via our applicant portal. If you have any questions (reference number 411_2026), feel free to contact the Human Resources team (

[email protected]

). Further information about the institute can be found at: https://www.isas.de/en.