The Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Immunology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ulm University Medical Center is looking for
PhD student (f/m/d)
The University Hospital Ulm and its employees stand for a modern and high quality patient care, excellent university research and medical education focused on the future as well as apprenticeships in attractive professional fields. The requirements for this are qualified and committed employees.
The role of DNA damage response in the development of pediatric myelodysplastic syndromes
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) can be caused by predisposing germline mutations that result in clonal aberrations. The latter may increase the risk for the development of bone marrow failure, dysplasia, and malignant transformation. Since DNA damage occurs naturally in the process of hematopoietic differentiation, DNA damage response (DDR) plays a crucial role in protecting stem cell integrity.
In this research project we plan to investigate the DDR capacity of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) modeling pediatric MDS. IPSCs will be engineered using CRISPR/Cas9 and further be differentiated into HSCs and cells of the myeloid, lymphoid and erythrocyte lineage in vitro. Various types of DNA damage will be induced in HSCs and their impact on DDR, differentiation and clonal stability will be studied in emerging cells.
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) can be caused by predisposing germline mutations that result in clonal aberrations. The latter may increase the risk for the development of bone marrow failure, dysplasia, and malignant transformation. Since DNA damage occurs naturally in the process of hematopoietic differentiation, DNA damage response (DDR) plays a crucial role in protecting stem cell integrity.
In this research project we plan to investigate the DDR capacity of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) modeling pediatric MDS. IPSCs will be engineered using CRISPR/Cas9 and further be differentiated into HSCs and cells of the myeloid, lymphoid and erythrocyte lineage in vitro. Various types of DNA damage will be induced in HSCs and their impact on DDR, differentiation and clonal stability will be studied in emerging cells.
We offer:
- Opportunity to join the International Graduate School of Molecular Medicine Ulm (IGradU)
- Funding for 3 years (65%, E13), starting September 1st, 2026
- National and international cooperation, incl. additional training opportunities
- Opportunity to attend international conferences
- Development of your own scientific profile
- Supportive supervision and highly motivated, friendly group
Your profile:
- Excellent master’s degree in biology/molecular medicine/biochemistry or related fields
- Strong interest in hematology/immunology and stem cell biology
- Self-motivated team worker with strong communication and writing skills in English
- Experience in cell culture, flow cytometry and molecular biology is advantageous
Contract: limited
Level of employment: part-time
application deadline: 15.07.2026
