The [Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging](https://www.exmi.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/moiue/) is offering a

PhD student in the field of basic research (f/m/d)

Operational area: Institute of Experimental Molecular Imaging

Working hours: 65% of the full working hours in the collective agreement (currently 38.5 hours/week)
Duration/Term of employment: the position is limited for 3 years in accordance with the WissZeitVG (German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act) with option of prolongation. The successful applicant will be encouraged and supported to achieve a doctoral degree.
Start date: as soon as possible
Remuneration/Rates: EG 13 (TV-L)

Why choose us?

We offer…

- 30 days of vacation
- A bonus of 3,000 euros for employees who help recruit employees in the care sector
- An attractive company pension scheme from VBL
- Education opportunities, including updating and upgrading
- Access to public transport
- In-house kindergarten (places subject to availability)
- Staff residences (places subject to availability and by arrangement)
- An onboarding app for new employees
- Extended opening hours in the staff restaurant

Tasks:

The project aims to establish vascularized 3D colorectal tumor spheroids within mesoscopic, MRI-compatible bioreactors and to validate a newly developed, DWI-based biophysical modeling approach of the tumor microenvironment.

- Establishment and cultivation of vascularized, heterotypic murine tumor spheroids in perfusable, MRI-compatible bioreactors; protocol development and quality control
- Preparation and conducting of MRI measurements in cooperation with "Faber research group" Münster, including exchange between both groups
- In-vitro therapy screening and histological validation using bioreactor systems
- In-vivo therapy screening (mouse models)
- Data analysis and fitting of the applied biophysical model
- Documentation, preparation of publications, and presentation of results at conferences

Profile:

- Master of Science in Biotechnology, biomedicine, chemistry, etc.
- Solid cell culture expertise ideally in 3D systems (spheroids/organoids) or co-culture systems as well as primary endothelial and stromal cultures
- Motivation to learn MRI workflows (DWI/TDD) and to work with cooperation partners on biophysical modeling and implementation
- Desirable:

- Experience in biocompatible hydrogels (collagen/fibrin/gelatin)
- Experience in bioprinting would be advantageous
- Histological processing of samples (sectioning, IHC/IF staining, in microscopy)
- Basic knowledge of MRI (methods, sequence protocols, data analysis)

- Structured, independent and team-oriented approach to working in an interdisciplinary environment
- Strong English skills, both spoken and written (minimum C1, preferably C2); Good German language skills are an advantageous
- Strong team spirit and willingness to work collaboratively between the institutes in Aachen and Münster
- Accuracy and diligence in documentation (good laboratory practice), reliable project and sample management
- Strong problem-solving approach and hands-on mentality when establishing new setups and protocols
- •Good presentation skills are advantageous

Application:

The application deadline for the advertised position GB-P-55109 is 17.04.2026.

Contact:

University Hospital of the RWTH Aachen, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Director Univ. Prof. Dr. med. Fabian Kießling, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Dipl.-Biol. Nina Keusgen
E-Mail: E-Mail: nkeusgen@ukaachen.de
Phone: +49 (0)241 80 47413

We look forward to receiving your application!

This job advertisement is aimed at all genders.

The RWTH Aachen University Hospital promotes equal opportunity and diversity. Applications from women are expressly sought and, in accordance with relevant laws, will be treated preferentially.

We welcome applications from people with disabilities and they will be given priority if they are equally suitable.

Employment at a fraction less than the weekly full-time working hours stated above is generally possible.

It is preferable to use our digital application portal at www.karriere.ukaachen.de to apply. The portal allows you to upload your documents to an electronic application folder, which is protected from unauthorized access. Applications received by email are transferred to our application portal and then deleted in accordance with data protection regulations. (Transmission by email is usually inadequately protected.) If you do not agree to the transfer of your data to our portal, we unfortunately cannot consider your application. The data in the portal will be deleted after the retention period has expired.