PhD position in cancer brain biology

Heidelberg University is a comprehensive university with a strong research focus and international aspirations. With approximately 32,200 students and 9,200 employees, including numerous leading researchers, it is a globally renowned institution that also has outstanding economic significance for the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region.

The Institute of Neurobiology, research group of Dr. Annarita Patrizi, is seeking to fill the following position from May 1st, 2026, with a workload of 23.7 hours per week (60% of full-time employment), for a fixed term of three years:

Doctoral candidate in cancer brain biology (f/m/d)

We are looking for highly motivated, diligent, and enthusiastic individuals with an interest in neuroscience, cancer biology, and 3D organoids. We invite you to apply for a PhD position in a German Cancer Aid project investigating molecular signaling pathways underlying the development of brain tumors in the choroid plexus, with a focus on the Wnt signaling pathway.

Overview of the research project:

Elucidating the role of Wnt signaling in the development of choroid plexus tumors and their potential as a therapeutic target. Utilizing 3D organoids, genetic tools, multi-omics, and high-resolution imaging to uncover Wnt signaling pathways that link signaling to tumor development and treatment.

Key tasks

• In-vitro experiments with 3D organoid models
• Immunohistochemistry, live imaging and confocal microscopy
• Transcriptomics and proteomics
• Bioinformatic analysis and data integration of human datasets
• Writing publications, giving presentations at conferences, and international collaboration.

Qualification profile:

• Master of Science in Molecular/Cell Biology, Biochemistry or a related field
• Proven competence in handling hiPSCs or 3D organoids
• Experience in live imaging or confocal microscopy and quantitative image analysis
• Prior knowledge in the preparation of omics samples and data analysis would be highly desirable.
• Independent thinking with high publication potential; fluent English skills

What we offer:

• Funding by the German Cancer Aid for a doctoral position for 3 years with a start date to be agreed upon by both parties.
• Remuneration is based on the TV-L (Collective Agreement for Public Service Employees in the German States).
• First-class facilities at Heidelberg University
• Dynamic and international team with career support

Applicants should submit their application, including a CV, cover letter, and contact details of two references, by March 31, 2026 , to Dr. Annarita Patrizi at patrizi@nbio.uni-heidelberg.de and Prof. Sergio Acebron at sergio.acebron@cos.uni-heidelberg.de . Please submit your application as a single PDF file.

The doctoral candidate will become a member of the Heidelberg Biosciences International Graduate School (HBIGS) ( www.hbigs.uni-heidelberg.de/ ).

Heidelberg University is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. We strongly encourage qualified women to apply. Applicants with disabilities will be given priority if equally qualified. Information on job postings and data protection can be found at www.uni-heidelberg.de/stellenmarkt .

English version:

Heidelberg University is a comprehensive university with a strong focus on research and international standards. With around 32,200 students and 9,200 employees, including numerous top researchers, it is a globally respected institution that also has outstanding economic significance for the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region.

The following three-year fixed-term position is available at the Institute of Neurobiology, Dr Annarita Patrizi’s research group with a workload of 23.7 hours per week (60% of a full-time position), starting on 01/05/2026.

PhD position in cancer brain biology (f/m/d)

We look for highly motivated, hard-working and enthusiastic individuals with an interest in Neuroscience, Cancer Biology and 3D organoids. We invite applications for a fully funded PhD position in a German Cancer Aid project on molecular signaling underlying the onset of choroid plexus brain tumors, emphasizing the Wnt signaling pathway.

Overview of the research project:

Elucidate the role of Wnt signaling in the onset of choroid plexus tumors and their potential as a therapeutic target. Employ 3D organoids, genetic tools, multi-omics, and high-resolution imaging to uncover Wnt pathways linking signaling to tumor development and treatment.

Main tasks:

• In vitro experiments with 3D organoid models
• Immunohistochemistry, live imaging and confocal microscopy
• Transcriptomics and proteomics
• Bioinformatic analysis and data integration with human data sets
• Write publications, present at conferences, and collaborate internationally

Qualification profile:

• M.Sc. in molecular/cell biology, biochemistry, or related field
• Demonstrated competence with hiPSCs or 3D organoids
• Experience in live imaging or confocal microscopy and quantitative image analysis
• Prior experience in omics samples preparation and data analysis would be highly desirable
• Independent thinker with strong publication potential; English fluent

What we offer:

• Deutsche Krebshilfe funding to cover a PhD position for 3 years with starting date based on mutual agreement
• The remuneration is based according to TV-L
• Top-tier facilities at Heidelberg University
• Dynamic and international team with career support
• Opportunities for high-impact publications and networking

Interested candidates should send their application, including a CV, cover letter, and contact information for two references, no later than March 31, 2026 to Dr. Annarita Patrizi at patrizi@nbio.uni-heidelberg.de and Prof. Sergio Acebron at sergio.acebron@cos.uni-heidelberg.de . Please submit the application as a single PDF file.

The PhD student will be a member of the Heidelberg Biosciences International Graduate School (HBIGS) ( www.hbigs.uni-heidelberg.de/ ).