Simon Haas

This funded PhD project at Heidelberg University focuses on overcoming chemotherapy resistance in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by targeting transient adaptations of leukemic stem cells. AML is a highly aggressive blood cancer characterized by the accumulation of immature myeloid cells, leading to poor clinical outcomes and high relapse rates. While chemotherapy induces remission in most cases, relapse remains a significant challenge, often due to mechanisms beyond newly acquired mutations, such as metabolic and epigenetic adaptations. The research will leverage a comprehensive collection of bone marrow and peripheral blood samples from a large patient cohort, spanning multiple treatment stages including induction chemotherapy, remission, relapse, and refractory disease. Using advanced single cell multiomic approaches and metabolic spectral flow cytometry, the project aims to identify transcriptomic and metabolic vulnerabilities in leukemic stem cells under standard therapy. Additionally, the role of extracellular vesicles, such as exosomes, in disease persistence and relapse will be investigated. Functional validation of findings will be performed using pre-clinical models, including bone marrow organoids and xenotransplantation platforms. The project is embedded within the SFB1709 consortium, providing access to lectures, activities, and expertise in molecular stem cell, cancer, and translational research. Close collaboration partners include Prof. Dr. Simon Haas (Charite, Berlin), Dr. Lars Velten (CRG, Barcelona), Prof. Andreas Trumpp (DKFZ, HI-STEM, Heidelberg), and Prof. Carsten Müller-Tidow (Heidelberg University Hospital). Applicants should have a Master’s degree or equivalent in biological sciences, with skills in molecular cell biology, single-cell technologies, and bioinformatics. Good English proficiency is required. The position offers full funding and is based at Heidelberg University Hospital, Department of Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, in Heidelberg, Germany. The application deadline is 31 August 2026, and the project is set to start on 1 October 2026. To apply, submit your application through the HBIGS online portal. For further information, visit the project and consortium websites or contact the HBIGS office. This opportunity is ideal for motivated candidates seeking to contribute to cutting-edge cancer research in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment.