PhD position (m/f/d) Engineering the Next Generation of In Vivo CAR-T Cell Therapies with CRISPR 2.0

PhD position (m/f/d)

Engineering the Next Generation of In Vivo CAR-T Cell Therapies with CRISPR 2.0

• University Hospital Würzburg

• 01.01.2027

• Full-time

• Fixed-Term

Application deadline: 31/10/2026

Join an ambitious ERC-funded research project at the interface of genome engineering, immunology, and cell therapy.

The research group is developing next-generation genome-engineering technologies with the goal of enabling the direct generation of therapeutic CAR-T cells inside the human body. This PhD project addresses a highly innovative translational challenge with the potential to advance the future of cancer immunotherapy.

The position offers the opportunity to contribute to pioneering research while gaining expertise across several rapidly evolving fields within a highly collaborative and international scientific environment.

We offer

• Cutting-edge research with translational impact Work on a highly challenging scientific question with the potential to transform the future of CAR-T cell therapies. • Broad interdisciplinary training Develop expertise across multiple innovative research areas rather than focusing on a single technology. • Close mentorship and scientific independence Benefit from dedicated supervision while gradually developing your own research ideas and scientific profile. • Access to state-of-the-art technologies Work with advanced genome-engineering tools, cellular engineering platforms, and modern analytical methods. • ERC-funded research environment Contribute to high-risk/high-gain projects and collaborate with researchers across multiple disciplines. • Excellent career preparation Acquire a unique combination of skills that provides a strong foundation for academic research, biotechnology, cell and gene therapy, or pharmaceutical R&D.

During your PhD, you will gain hands-on experience in:

• CRISPR 2.0 and next-generation genome engineering • CAR-T cell and immune-cell engineering • In vivo cell engineering and targeted delivery technologies • Synthetic immunology • Molecular and cellular biology • Advanced functional characterization of engineered T cells • Translational cancer research

Your Tasks

• Develop and optimize CRISPR 2.0 genome-engineering strategies for human T cells • Establish innovative approaches for the direct generation of CAR-T cells in vivo • Develop and evaluate viral and non-viral delivery strategies for genome-editing components • Characterize engineered CAR-T cells using molecular, cellular, and functional assays • Assess the efficacy, specificity, and safety of novel genome-engineering approaches • Contribute your own ideas to an ambitious ERC-funded research project at the interface of genome editing, immunology, and cell therapy

Your Profile

We are looking for an enthusiastic and curious scientist with a strong interest in genome engineering, lipid nanoparticles, and cell therapy.

Applicants should have:

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in molecular biology, biomedicine, biotechnology, biochemistry, immunology, or a related field • A strong interest in CRISPR technologies, genome engineering, and/or CAR-T cell biology • Experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques • Motivation to learn new technologies and work across disciplinary boundaries • A collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for ambitious, technology-driven research • Good communication skills in English

Previous experience with genome editing, primary T-cell culture, flow cytometry, viral or non-viral delivery technologies, or CAR-T cells is advantageous but not required. More important to us are scientific curiosity, motivation, and the willingness to learn.

This is what you can look forward to

• Challenging, diverse and evolving area of responsibility

• Attractive salary according to TV-L incl. annual special payment

• Training and Continuing Education

• Retirement Pension Plan

• Company daycare center with extended opening hours

• Company sports program

• Flexible Working Hours

• JobBike

• Corporate Benefits

Become part of the team: Apply now!

Dr. Karl Petri

Emmy Noether Gruppenleiter

Tel: +49931 201 44817

In the case of a university degree from a non-EU country, a long version of the certificate evaluation from the Central Office for Foreign Education is required.

Remuneration is in accordance with the relevant collective agreements. Severely disabled applicants will be given preference if they are otherwise equally qualified.

Ausschreibungsreferenz: 2026-0483