Universitätsklinikum Bonn AöR
Germany, Bonn
The University Hospital Bonn (UKB) is one of Germany’s leading university hospitals, combining top-level performance in medicine and research with excellence in teaching. Each year, more than half a million patients receive inpatient and outpatient care at the UKB. Around 3,500 students study medicine and dentistry here, and over 600 people are trained annually in healthcare professions. With approximately 9,900 employees, the UKB is the third-largest employer in the Bonn/Rhein-Sieg region. In the Focus hospital ranking, the UKB ranks first among university hospitals in North Rhine-Westphalia and second nationwide in terms of case mix index (case severity). In 2024, the UKB raised nearly €100 million in third-party funding for research, development, and teaching. The F.A.Z. Institute has named the UKB “Germany’s Training Champion” and “Germany’s Most Attractive Employer” for the fourth consecutive year.
The following part-time position (25 h/week) is to be filled as soon as possible in the Klinik für Neuroonkologie of the University Hospital Bonn:
PhD Student / Doktorand*in - Tumor Microenvironment of Brain Tumors Using Organoid Models (m/f/d)
The position is limited to four years due the project.
Our newly established Experimental Neuro-Oncology group at the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) (PI: Prof. Sevin Turcan) investigates molecular and cellular mechanisms of brain tumor initiation, progression and therapy resistance. A central focus is on how brain tumors interact with and remodel their microenvironment. We combine patient-derived tumor models, brain organoids, advanced imaging and multi-omic approaches to dissect glioma–microenvironment crosstalk and identify actionable vulnerabilities. The PhD project will focus on organoid-based models to study these tumor–microenvironment interactions.
Tasks:
· Establish and maintain patient-derived brain tumor organoids and cerebral organoid models
· Develop and apply co-culture systems to study interactions between glioma cells and microglia, immune cells or astrocytes/neural cells
· Map the 3D spatial architecture of the tumor niche in organoids using advanced imaging and quantitative image analysis
· Test microenvironment-targeting therapies in organoid co-cultures to identify strategies that reprogram the tumor niche and sensitize tumors to treatment
· Document, interpret and present your results in internal lab meetings and contribute to manuscripts and conference presentations
Requirements:
· Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biotechnology, Neuroscience, Biomedicine or a related life science
· Strong interest in brain tumors, tumor microenvironment and organoid/3D culture systems
· Practical experience with mammalian cell culture; experience with 3D cultures, organoids, stem cells or primary cells is a strong plus
· Hands-on skills in at least some of the following: immunofluorescence staining, microscopy, basic molecular biology (e.g. PCR, cloning, Western blot), flow cytometry, or image/data analysis
· High motivation to develop and refine complex experimental systems and to work quantitatively with the resulting data (basic experience with R/Python is a plus but not mandatory)
· Structured, independent and reliable working style; enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration in an international team
· Very good command of English (spoken and written); German skills are an advantage but not required
We offer:
· An interdisciplinary scientific environment at the interface of neuro-oncology, molecular biology, imaging and translational research
· The opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree within a dynamic, internationally oriented group
· Access to state-of-the-art facilities, advanced microscopy and modern molecular biology and genomics platforms
· Close integration into collaborative networks within UKB and beyond, including opportunities to interface with computational, imaging and clinical partners
· **Responsible and diverse: **A position with plenty of room for creativity and responsibility within a supportive and collegial team
· **Fair compensation: **Pay according to the TV-L EG13 collective agreement, including annual bonus and company pension scheme
· **Family-friendly flexibility: **Flexible working time models, access to a place in our company daycare center, and programs supporting employees returning from parental leave
· **Smart commuting: **Excellent connection to the SWB public transport network and the option of an interest-free loan for the purchase of an e-bike
· **Supported development: **Individual training opportunities through courses, e-learning programs, and coaching sessions
· **Structured onboarding: **A systematic introduction to your new role and team
· **Healthy at work: **A wide range of health and wellness programs, plus free membership at the UKB fitness studio
· **Employee benefits: **Access to discounted offers for employees (corporate benefits)
We are committed to diversity and equal opportunities. Our goal is to increase the proportion of women in areas where women are underrepresented and to particularly promote their careers. We therefore urge relevantly qualified women to apply. Applications are treated in accordance with the State Equal Opportunities Act. Applications from suitable people with proven severe disabilities and those of equal status are particularly welcome.
How to apply:
Do you meet our requirements and are you looking for a varied and challenging job? Do not hesitate and send your detailed application (preferably by e-mail in one file up to 5 MB in size) by 13.01.2026, stating the job advertisement number. ST-34045 to:
Prof. Şevin Turcan
Klinik für Neuroonkologie
Experimentelle Neuroonkologie
Universitätsklinikum Bonn
Venusberg-Campus-1
53127 Bonn
E-Mail: turcan@uni-bonn.de
www.ukbonn.de
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