The University of Marburg, founded in 1527, offers a variety of excellent programs of study for around 22,000 students and confronts the important topics of our time through excellent research across a broad spectrum of sciences.

The Department of Medicine, Institute for Molecular Oncology, research group of Prof. Dr. Thorsten Stiewe, invites applications for two

Research Assistants in Functional Cancer Genomics (Doctoral Researchers/PhD)

The positions are offered for a period of 3 years, if no former times of qualification must be considered. The starting date is August 1, 2026. The positions are part-time (65% of regular working hours) with salary and benefits commensurate with a public service position in the state Hesse, Germany (TV-H E 13, 65%).

Join a cutting-edge research project to systematically decode TP53 mutations and translate functional insights into clinically actionable knowledge for precision oncology.

The project, funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), aims to map the functional landscape of TP53 variants using advanced genome editing and multi-layered functional profiling to improve variant interpretation and enable clinically actionable classification for precision oncology.

Tasks:

• Design and perform CRISPR-based saturation genome editing to generate comprehensive TP53 variant libraries
• Conduct pooled functional screens combined with high-throughput sequencing
• Apply single-cell transcriptomics to resolve variant-specific phenotypes
• Develop and implement quantitative assays to dissect key cancer-relevant pathways
• Integrate multi-dimensional datasets to derive mechanistic insights and clinically relevant variant classifications
• Present results at international conferences and contribute to high-impact publications

The positions are limited to a time period deemed adequate for the completion of a doctoral degree. As part of the assigned duties, there will be ample opportunity to conduct the independent scientific research necessary for the completion of a doctorate. The limitation complies with Section 2 (1) of the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG).

Profile:

• MSc-degree (or equivalent) with excellent grades in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics or a related life science discipline
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, advanced molecular cloning techniques, and genome editing (e.g. CRISPR/Cas9) or related technologies
• Demonstrated experience with next-generation sequencing workflows (library preparation and/or data analysis)
• Solid programming skills for data analysis (e.g. Python) and experience handling large-scale datasets
• Evidence of scientific excellence, e.g. outstanding MSc thesis, prior research output (preprint/publication), or competitive fellowships/awards
• Proven proficiency in written and spoken English (minimum level B2; strong preference for C1 or higher)

Disposition to own scientific qualification (e.g. a doctorate project in the area of cancer biology) is expected.

We offer:

• Cutting-edge research on TP53, the most frequently mutated cancer gene
• Access to state-of-the-art technologies (CRISPR, single-cell sequencing, functional genomics)
• Interdisciplinary training at the interface of molecular biology, genomics and bioinformatics
• Integration into an international and highly collaborative research environment
• Opportunities to present work at international conferences

We actively support the professional development of junior researchers by the offers of Marburg Research Academy (MARA), the International Office and the Higher Education Didactics Office.

Contact for more information

We support women and strongly encourage them to apply. In areas where women are underrepresented, female applicants will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. As a certified family-friendly university, we support our employees in balancing family and career. A reduction of working time is possible. Applicants with a disability as discribed in the Social Security Code (Section 2(2) and (3) of Book IX of the Social Security Code (SGB IX)) will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. Application and interview costs can not be refunded.

Please apply by June 14, 2026 using the application-button below.