The Maier laboratory at CeMM, the Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Vienna, is recruiting a highly motivated Msc Student to join our team of international scientists working in the field of tumor immunology & cancer immunotherapy. We are looking for a candidate with a background in immunology, molecular biology or equivalent. A commitment of 12 months is required for this position. Starting date preferably September 2026.
The Position
Our team is looking for a passionate Master student to support an ongoing project on a myeloid cell-based immunotherapy platform. We are generating myeloid cells expressing candidate targets to drive different aspects of anti-tumor immunity. With this system, we can modulate a variety of immune pathways, such as the induction of tertiary lymphoid structures, and inhibition of immunosuppressive pathways.
Your tasks in this position will include:
- Cell culture and cell engineering techniques, such as differentiation and transduction of myeloid cells
- Molecular biology techniques, such as cloning and lentiviral transduction
- Flow cytometry and cell sorting
- Isolation of primary immune cells from different tissues, e.g. tumor, bone marrow, etc
- Option for training in basic mouse handling
After receiving the appropriate training, you will independently carry out experiments. In addition, you will be a part of individual as well as group meetings to deepen your understanding of the background and current scientific directions in the field of tumor immunology and cancer immunotherapy.
Your Profile
- Currently pursuing a Masters degree in life sciences and seeking a position to carry out the practical part of their Master thesis
- Eager to join a young team and be trained in new techniques
- Strong interest in the field of tumor immunology
- Experience with basic molecular biology (e.g. cloning and PCR)
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
- High accuracy, reliability and independence, able to work seamlessly in a team
The Maier Lab
Our research group investigates the complex immune interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME) of solid tumors, with a focus on mechanisms of immune suppression and tumor immune evasion. Our overarching goal is to overcome the current limitations of cancer immunotherapy by designing new strategies that reprogram specific immune cell subsets to promote robust, tumor-targeted immune responses.
We aim to develop next-generation immunotherapies by modulating antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and other key immune components. Central questions driving our research include:
- How can we empower APCs to prime effective tumor-specific T cell responses?
- What APC phenotypes influence T cell polarization and restimulation at the tumor site?
- How do these interactions contribute to or limit T cell exhaustion?
- What are the key drivers of T cell dysfunction in both the TME and the draining lymph nodes?
- Which signaling pathways in tumor-associated myeloid cells need to be targeted to reverse immune suppression?
To address these questions, we use an integrative approach combining high-throughput cell culture systems, in vivo models, single-cell transcriptomics, and immune profiling of patient-derived tumor samples.
CeMM is an international research institute of the Austrian Academy of Sciences and a founding member of EU-LIFE. The mission of CeMM, the Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences is to achieve maximum scientific innovation in molecular medicine to improve healthcare. At CeMM, an international and creative team of scientists and medical doctors pursues free-minded basic life science research in a large and vibrant hospital environment of outstanding medical tradition and practice. At CeMM, an international and creative team of scientists and medical doctors pursues free-minded basic life science research in a large and vibrant hospital environment of outstanding medical tradition and practice. CeMM’s research is based on post-genomic technologies and focuses on societally important diseases, such as immune disorders and infections, cancer, aging and metabolic disorders. CeMM operates in a unique mode of super-cooperation, connecting biology with medicine, experiments with computation, discovery with translation, and science with society and the arts. CeMM discovers and develops technologies to explore human biology with the purpose of defeating disease at its roots. Because Science is our Medicine! CeMM trains a modern blend of biomedical scientists and is located at the campus of the General Hospital and the Medical University of Vienna. CeMM is a proud recipient of the HR Excellence in Research Award (HRS4R). This award indicates that CeMM takes care of the well-being of its employees, that the recruitment process is open, fair, and transparent, and that CeMM offers professional appraisals and career development procedures. More than 150 people from 47 nationalities are working at CeMM. The institute promotes equal opportunity and harbors a mix of different talents, backgrounds, competences, and interests. www.cemm.at
- Work within an experienced, interdisciplinary, and international team at one of Austria’s leading research institutes
- Ample opportunities to contribute and gain experience in a key area of biomedical research and precision medicine
- An inspiring workplace with an international setting, strong team spirit, and an excellent work climate
- A wide range of social, cultural, and sports activities organized by the institute
- Excellent employee benefits including full insurance coverage (health, accident, retirement), health care services, subsidized cafeteria
- Monthly gross salary of EUR 1.379,60 for 20 hours/ week (following the recommendations of FWF)
- Support for relocating to Vienna is provided (relocation reimbursement, visa support, etc.)
Please apply online (https://cemm.onlyfy.jobs/job/w4yyr02q) with cover letter, CV , certificates (high school & university Diploma/grades)and contact details of 2 referees. Any application received by June 5th will be considered.
