PhD Student (f/m/d) - Stem Cell & Organoid Research St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI) in Austria

St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (St. Anna CCRI) in Vienna, Austria is offering a PhD position in the Salzer Group focused on stem cell and organoid research. The project sits at the intersection of pediatric cancer research, immunology, and functional genomics, with a strong translational emphasis on childhood leukemia and inborn errors of immunity.

The research aims to understand how genetic alterations affect human lymphocyte development. The team uses CRISPR-based genome engineering, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and advanced thymus and bone marrow organoid systems to create a uniquely human experimental platform. This is an opportunity to contribute to projects with direct clinical relevance for children with cancer and immune disorders while working in a highly collaborative, international environment connected to clinicians and translational researchers.

Planned work includes generating and optimizing lymphoid organoid systems from iPSCs and primary human CD34+ cells, performing CRISPR screens targeting genes implicated in lymphocyte development, and characterizing lymphocyte organoid cultures derived from CRISPR-edited CD34+ stem cells. The role also includes data analysis, scientific literature review, manuscript preparation, and presentations at lab meetings and conferences.

The position is suitable for candidates with a Master's degree in Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, a related field, or an MD in Human Medicine. The institute highlights interest in CRISPR-based genetic screens and gene editing, enthusiasm for organoid models, and prior hands-on experience with molecular cloning, CRISPR editing, cell culture, and single-cell sequencing as desirable. A careful, independent, and team-oriented approach is important.

St. Anna CCRI describes itself as one of Europe’s leading pediatric oncology research institutions, offering a state-of-the-art research environment, professional development opportunities, seminars, trainings, language courses, and a supportive PhD community. The salary is according to the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) scale. The application deadline is 15 October 2026, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Applicants should submit a CV, cover letter explaining their motivation for a PhD and for joining the Salzer Group, contact details for one reference, and publication details if applicable. The position is based in Vienna, Austria, at the St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute.