PhD Student (f/m/d) – Pediatric Cancer Research

Location: Vienna

Working Hours: Full-time employee

Area: Sabine Taschner-Mandl Group

Salary: PhD salary according to FWF

Contact: vanessa.kuehl@ccri.at

Application Deadline: 15.05.2026

Kickstart your research career at a world-class institute where cutting-edge science meets clinical impact. Shape the future of pediatric oncology and your scientific journey. Join us and contribute to science that makes a difference!

At the Taschner-Mandl Group, you will join a collaborative and interdisciplinary research team dedicated to advancing our understanding of childhood cancer (e.g. Fetahu IS et al., 2023, Nat Comms). We work in an open, supportive and collaborative environment where expertise, curiosity and teamwork thrive. In this PhD position, you will contribute to cutting-edge science investigating the mechanisms of cancer initiation and progression and help generate insights that support the development of improved therapeutic strategies.

Learn more about the Taschner-Mandl Group.

Your responsibilities

• Join an exciting, multidisciplinary environment with a strong support for your personal and professional development from your supervisor, team, and peers
• Be part of an interdisciplinary research project on deciphering the (epi)genetic determinants that underlie neuroblastoma pathogenesis and how they can be leveraged therapeutically
• Conduct ambitious research in close collaboration with experimental and clinical researchers
• Contribute from the start, including planning of experiments and data acquisition
• Contribute creative and critical thinking to drive project success
• Monitor scientific literature and integrate new approaches into your research
• Write papers, present your research at conferences, apply for fellowships, and contribute to grants

Your profile

What you bring for this position:

• Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology or a related field
• Background in cancer biology
• Practical experience with molecular and cell biology techniques
• Hands-on experience with iPSC cultures and differentiation protocols
• Experience with epigenetics and single-cell technologies is an advantage
• Excellent English communication skills (German not required)
• High motivation, curiosity and strong commitment to scientific research
• Strong team player with a creative and solution‑oriented mindset

Our offer

Academic Network: Benefit from close collaborations with leading national and international institutions

Translational Research: Work in an environment that bridges cutting-edge science with clinical application

PhD Community: Connect, exchange and grow through regular events and interdisciplinary networking with fellow PhD students

Supportive Environment: Be part of a team that thrives on cooperation, open communication and mutual respect

Inclusive & Purpose-Driven: Be part of an international workplace with a meaningful mission

State-of-the-Art Facilities: Benefit from access to infrastructure that supports your research and daily work

An attractive salary package according to the Austrian Science Fund FWF.

Who we are

One of Europe's leading institutions in the field of pediatric oncology, St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (St. Anna CCRI) investigates the biological foundations of cancer in children and adolescents. For almost 40 years, our multidisciplinary teams have been committed to developing innovative diagnostic approaches and personalized treatments aimed at further improving young patients’ chances of cure. In close collaboration with both national and international partners we combine scientific excellence with clinical relevance. We stand for responsible research, transparency and sustainable knowledge building. As an employer, we offer a state-of-the-art research environment, opportunities for professional development as well as a workplace culture that embraces diversity and appreciation. Work where it really matters and contribute to science that makes a difference.

St. Anna CCRI is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to providing a work environment of mutual respect to everyone without regard to race, colour, religion, national origin, age, gender identity or expression, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.

Find more information here: https://ccri.at/.

Your application

We are looking forward to your application! Applications should at least contain a CV, a cover letter, contact details of 2-3 references. The application deadline is the May 15th, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.