Job Description

Wissenschaft und Forschung



PhD Student (m/f/d) - Life Sciences / Biotechnology


Veröffentlicht: 23.12.2025

part-time | temporary (27 months) |

Klinik und Poliklinik für Nuklearmedizin

In the Department of Nuclear Medicine, we are interested in the development and clinical translation of molecular imaging tools for various applications, such as oncology, regenerative medicine, immunotherapies, as well as cell and gene therapies. Our interdisciplinary environment brings together a broad range of expertise, including biomarker discovery and evaluation, chemical synthesis and radiolabeling, protein biochemistry, radiochemistry, and preclinical imaging using PET, SPECT, and fluorescence techniques. We also work on animal model development, histopathological validation, tumor biology, and molecular biology. Our research aims to develop creative and innovative strategies to characterize new classes of molecular imaging agents and advance those with translational potential. This environment allows PhD students to experience the full drug development pathway—from initial molecular design tailored to a medical need to the creation and evaluation of clinically applicable radiopharmaceuticals.

The project will build on the PET reporter gene technology that we have recently developed and apply it for the in vivo tracking of gene vectors and their genetic payload. The different vectors will be provided by collaboration partners.

The position is a part of the project “Biotechnologie-Innovationen für High-End Immuntherapien und Theranostik” (BIOFIT; 2025-28) funded by the EFRE (European Regional Development Fund).

Your scientific project:

In your PhD project “Tracking various gene transfer and gene therapy vectors by Positron Emission Tomography”, your work will involve:
Designing, manufacturing and optimizing gene vectors
Characterization of vector transduction in vitro and in vivo
Radiolabeling of gene vectors for PET/CT imaging
Animal studies in collaboration with other researchers and technicians
Image analysis using AI-segmentation algorithms
Histological correlation of PET results and immunohistochemistry for tissues transduced by the vector
Experimental design, realization, and analysis of scientific data, writing of manuscripts, presentation of data at conferences

Your profile:

Excellent university degree (Master or equivalent) in biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or a related field
Strong motivation, curiosity, and commitment to scientific excellence
Proactive, independent, and critical work style as well as good organizational and time-management abilities
Ability to analyze data, troubleshoot experiments, and interpret results independently
Practical experience in half of the following fields is expected: molecular biology & biochemistry, mammalian cell culture, virology, histopathology
Willingness to perform in vivo experiments with mice
Strong team spirit and enthusiasm for working in a multidisciplinary, collaborative environment
Very good command of English

We offer you:

You will work in an interdisciplinary group of scientists and clinicians (Postdocs and PhD students with a background in chemistry, biology, physics, veterinarians, physicians, and technical assistants) with excellent infrastructure and a strong focus on translational research
You will be a member of the graduate program at TUM, which will give you the opportunity to participate in various workshops (scientific and soft skills), seminars and career-building programs
EGYM well pass, corporate benefits and discounts (e.g. Käfer), cafeteria, sports and cultural offers
Free use of the library through a branch of the Munich City Library located in the building
Working in the heart of Munich at Max-Weber-Platz with very good accessibility by public transport such as the subway, S-Bahn or tram
Company pension plan through the Federal and State Pension Institute (VBL)

We look forward to your application!

Contact: Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Weber| 089 / 4140 –2972 | Klinik und Poliklinik für Nuklearmedizin

Please submit your complete application documents by e-mail quoting:

“BIOFIT PhD” by 28th February 2026

and the reference number 25_12_025

Klinik und Poliklinik für Nuklearmedizin

TUM Klinikum

Rechts der Isar

Ismaninger Straße 22

81675 München

E-Mail:

bewerbung.nuklearmedizin@mri.tum.de

If the candidates’ suitability for the position in question is equal, severely disabled applicants shall be given preference. Interview-related costs can, unfortunately, not be reimbursed.