The research group of Professor Dr. Jesus Duque-Afonso, Department of Internal Medicine I (Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation) at Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Centre for Translational Cell Research (ZTZ), is looking for a PhD Student in Biomedical Sciences (m/f/d) from May 2025 onwards for the research project "Genomics- and biomarkers-based tools for personalized treatment to reduce chemotherapy burden in pediatric leukemia (GEPARD-2)". Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer and one of the main causes of cancer death in children and young adults. Although the treatment of ALL has been improved in the last decades, there are still patients developing drug resistance and succumbing to the disease, especially in advanced age and with severe co-morbidities. Therefore, we propose to devise new therapeutic approaches, which are more effective while less toxic. We will establish combination therapies using preclinical in vitro and in vivo experimental models, which will be translated into clinical application in the near future. We will identify novel biomarkers based on mass cytometry and circulating DNA to distinguish the true "high-risk" patient population from the "low-to-intermediate risk" group. In order to identify novel candidate genes/pathways candidate genes, which are involved in proliferation/survival and targeted therapy resistance in ALL cells, we will employ drug screening for targeted therapies. Bioinformatics and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven analysis will identify several genes/pathways on which ALL cells are dependent, mediate drug resistance and are susceptible of pharmacological inhibition. Our studies will address the novel and important concept of biomarker research in patient material, drug resistance driven by alternative signaling pathways and transcriptional plasticity. They will result in an innovative and original way to overcome drug resistance and to identify novel therapeutic targets and, ultimately, impact the treatment, quality of life and prognosis of patients. a doctoral position 65% in a 2-year research project with the option of an additional year an enjoyable laboratory atmosphere intensive mentorship and defined project with clinical relevance opportunity to work in a laboratory that employs a wide variety of modern research methods in cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, histology, RNA seq, mass cytometry (CYTOF), liquid biopsies, lentiviral and retroviral shRNA and CRISPR libraries as well as chemical drug screening libraries interest in research and high motivation experience in work with lentiviral vectors, drug treatments and cell culture experience in performing shRNA knock-down experiments, library screens and RNA sequencing and bioinformatics willingness for experimental work with animals (FELASA B course is required) flexibility independent work completed Master’s degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant biological or medical discipline candidates with a molecular medicine degree will be prioritized research experience with methods in molecular biology, molecular cloning, protein biology, cell culture, histology or mouse studies would be beneficial good organisational and communication skills self motivation good language skills in English, as well as the desire to work in an English-speaking laboratory environment