Research Assistant (PhD position)

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

The employment takes place within the framework of the graduate college GRK 2573 “The inflammatory tumor secretome: From basic understanding to new therapies,” funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) with funds from the federal and state governments. 

Scientists from the Universities of Marburg and Gießen initiated this graduate school with a focus on the role of the tumor secretome in tumor progression and therapy resistance. The graduate school is characterized by its interdisciplinary composition of basic research-oriented as well as clinically active scientists. The inclusion of different tumor entities enables competitive research activity in the field of tumor secretome. Participation in the graduate school‘s qualification program is a prerequisite. The doctoral thesis will be supervised by Prof. Pogge von Strandmann (tumor immunology) and Prof. Graumann (translational proteomics).

Tasks:

• Scientific services in research
• Functional role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the tumor microenvironment of ovarian cancer
• Methodological advancement of mass spectrometry (proteomics) of EVs
• Bioinformatic analyses of -OMICs data
• Application and further development of state-of-the-art techniques for characterizing the secretome of complex body fluids
• Modern analytical methods (proteomics, metabolomics, and single-cell sequencing) are part of the research program 

Within the scope of the assigned tasks, the opportunity for independent scientific work is offered, which serves to further one's own scientific qualifications. The fixed term is based on Section 2 (1) of the WissZeitVG (German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act).

Profile:

• Completed scientific university degree (diploma, master's or equivalent) in a relevant natural science subject
• Solid experience in current experimental research methodology
• High degree of initiative, structured working style, and ability to work in a team in an interdisciplinary and international research consortium
• Active participation in the scientific training program with practical and theoretical courses
• Motivation to actively contribute to the scientific training program and to present research results at national/international conferences
• Very good written and spoken English skills

Disposition to own scientific qualification is expected.

Philipps University actively supports the professional development of young scientists through the programs offered by the Marburg Research Academy (MARA), the International Office and the Center for University Didactics.

We offer:

• Integration into a DFG-funded research network
• Support measures as part of a structured promotion program
• An interesting and broad range of work
• Career development
• „LandesTicket“ for all civil servants of the state of Hesse

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 SGB IX (§ 2 Abs. 2, 3) will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. Application and interview costs can not be refunded.

Please apply with your CV, motivation letter, a brief summary of your master's thesis, references, and, if applicable, letters of recommendation by March 8th 2026 exclusively via the application button below.