PhD position in Medical Molecular Biology / Immuno-Oncology

Your workplace

Within the framework of an interdisciplinary synergy project between pathology and molecular medicine, the Strick research group, Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, is offering a fully funded PhD position with a translational focus on muscle-invasive bladder cancer and the regulation of innate immunity.

The research group of Prof. Dr. Strick (Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen) is offering a fully funded PhD position in Medical Molecular Biology within a highly interdisciplinary synergy project between pathology and molecular medicine . The project combines cutting-edge molecular biology, epigenetics, and immunology with strong translational relevance in muscle-invasive bladder cancer .

We have a lot to offer: Our benefits

• Regular step increases and rising salary according to the collective agreement for the public service of the Länder (TV-L) or remuneration according to BayBesG as well as an additional annual special payment
• 30 days of vacation entitlement per calendar year for a five-day work week, with additional days off on December 24th and 31st.
• Company pension schemes and employee savings plans

• 65% E13 TV-L
• PhD programs will begin between April and July 2026
• Close supervision within an interdisciplinary team
• Structured graduate education and excellent career prospects
• excellent scientific environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure
• A 65% E13 position according to TV-L
• Start date between April and July 2026
• A stimulating, interdisciplinary research environment
• Structured doctoral training within the FAU Graduate Program
• Close supervision, excellent infrastructure, and strong career development support

Your tasks

Dissertation topics

• Nuclear transport of cytokines
• Epigenetic modification of chromatin
• Molecular regulation of human endogenous retroviruses (ERV)
• Regulation of innate immunity (“immune exhaustion”)
• Molecular mechanisms of muscle-invasive bladder carcinoma

  Research Focus

  The doctoral project will address fundamental and translational questions in tumor biology and innate immunity, including:

• Nuclear transport of cytokines
• Epigenetic modification of chromatin
• Molecular regulation of human endogenous retroviruses (ERVs)
• Regulation of innate immunity and immune exhaustion
• Molecular mechanisms in muscle-invasive bladder cancer

  The project offers access to state-of-the-art technologies , close interaction between basic and clinical scientists, and strong opportunities for high-impact publications

Your profile

• Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Molecular Life Sciences, Biochemistry or related fields
• Experience in cell culture
• Excellent written and spoken English skills
• Openness to new, innovative technologies
• High level of experimentation, motivation and scientific curiosity
• A Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Molecular Life Sciences, Biochemistry, or a related field
• Solid experience in cell culture
• Excellent English skills , both written and spoken
• A strong interest in innovative technologies and cutting-edge experimental approaches
• High motivation, creativity, and enthusiasm for experimental research

Additional job title

PhD Position in Natural Sciences /

Please send your application (innovation letter, CV, cover of your Master’s thesis/degree) preferably via email by April 1, 2026, to:

Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Dr. habil. med. Reiner Strick

Reiner.Strick@uk-erlangen.de