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STEP RED-MED PhD 2026: Paid Cancer Biomarker Position in Germany
STEP RED-MED Paid PhD in Cancer Biomarkers and AML Research 2026
13 min read
Updated
NBy Naman Kumar
Page Summary⌄
Paid PhD: 65% employment for 36 months, with remuneration up to TV-L E13 depending on qualifications and duties.
Research: AML and other cancer biomarkers, MRD, NGS, flow cytometry, single-cell analysis and prognostic-marker biostatistics.
Eligibility: Relevant Master's, Diplom or equivalent degree in biology, biochemistry, biomedicine, molecular medicine, bioinformatics or a related discipline.
International applicants: Explicitly welcomed; foreign university degrees require a ZAB Statement of Comparability when the employment contract is signed.
Deadline:2 November 2026; applications can be submitted electronically to innere4@uk-halle.de.
Table of Contents
Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg is recruiting a Doctoral Researcher in translational leukemia and cancer-biomarker research within the STEP RED-MED project at the Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Halle.
The project focuses on developing and evaluating molecular and cell-based biomarkers that could help detect relapse in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and other cancers as early as possible.
The PhD combines translational cancer research with technologies including:
- measurable residual disease (MRD) testing
- next-generation sequencing
- flow cytometry
- single-cell analysis
- biostatistics
- molecular and clinical data integration.
The position is advertised at 65% employment for 36 months, with remuneration up to TV-L E13 depending on the assigned duties and the applicant's qualifications.
Applicants must have at least German C1 and English B2.
The current application deadline is 2 November 2026 and the position can begin as soon as possible.
STEP RED-MED Doctoral Position at a Glance
Information
Details
Position
Doctoral Researcher
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Project
STEP RED-MED
University
Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg
Institution
University Hospital Halle
Faculty
Faculty of Medicine
Department
Department and Outpatient Clinic of Internal Medicine IV
Location
Halle (Saale), Germany
Research field
Translational leukemia and cancer biomarker research
Main disease focus
AML and other cancers
Position type
Paid doctoral employment
Salary
Up to TV-L E13
Employment
65%
Contract duration
36 months
Start
As soon as possible
German
Minimum C1
English
Minimum B2
International applicants
Explicitly welcomed
Vacancy reference
7-138/26-D
Deadline
2 November 2026
Application
Email or postal application
The position was republished on 19 October 2026, and the current University of Halle vacancy index shows it as a reopened/extended recruitment with applications accepted until 2 November 2026.
What is the STEP RED-MED PhD about?
The STEP RED-MED project develops and investigates biomarkers for acute myeloid leukaemia and other cancers with the goal of detecting disease relapse as early as possible.
The successful doctoral researcher will work on a translational subproject focused specifically on the development and scientific evaluation of molecular and cell-based biomarkers.
The research connects molecular diagnostics with clinical information and aims to improve the ability to identify signs of disease recurrence before conventional clinical relapse becomes obvious.
What is AML?
AML stands for Acute Myeloid Leukaemia.
It is the principal disease explicitly named in the STEP RED-MED vacancy.
The PhD is not restricted exclusively to AML, because the advertised project also investigates biomarkers relevant to other cancers.
The vacancy does not publish a fixed list of additional cancer entities, so applicants should not assume that every malignancy is part of the project.
What is the main goal of the research?
The central goal is to develop biomarkers that help identify disease relapse at an earlier stage.
To do this, the project combines molecular and cellular techniques with clinical information and statistical analysis.
Your work may involve investigating whether specific molecular, cellular or genomic signals can act as:
- indicators of residual disease
- predictors of relapse
- prognostic markers
- clinically useful biomarkers.
The last three descriptions reflect the scientific purpose of the tasks listed in the vacancy; the official posting specifically emphasizes relapse detection, MRD and prognostic-marker analysis.
What will you do during the PhD?
The doctoral researcher will have several interconnected responsibilities.
Develop biomarkers for early relapse detection
You will plan and conduct research aimed at developing biomarkers for the early detection of relapse in AML and other cancers.
You will also analyse the resulting data.
Coordinate multicentre sample collection
A substantial part of the role involves coordinating the collection of samples from cancer patients across multiple participating centres.
This includes:
- obtaining ethics approvals
- engaging participating study centres
- motivating centres to contribute
- collecting clinical data.
This makes the position more than a laboratory-only PhD.
You will work across translational research + clinical coordination + molecular analysis.
Work with MRD testing
You will apply and further develop methods used for MRD testing.
MRD stands for measurable residual disease and is particularly important in leukemia research because small numbers of remaining cancer cells can have implications for relapse risk.
The official vacancy specifically connects MRD work with:
- next-generation sequencing
- flow cytometry
- single-cell methods.
Work with next-generation sequencing
Next-generation sequencing is explicitly part of the doctoral research.
You may work on sequencing-based approaches for:
- identifying molecular biomarkers
- detecting residual disease
- characterising patient samples
- integrating genomic results with other clinical or laboratory data.
The official vacancy specifically requires applying and further developing MRD methods, particularly next-generation sequencing.
Work with flow cytometry
Flow cytometry is another core technology used in the project.
The vacancy explicitly identifies flow cytometry as one of the methods used for MRD testing and biomarker development.
Applicants who already have practical experience in flow cytometry can therefore have a relevant advantage.
Work with single-cell analysis
The project also uses single-cell analysis.
The vacancy names single-cell methods both as part of the research and as a desirable area of previous practical experience.
This makes the position especially relevant if you want to combine molecular oncology with modern cellular-resolution methods.
Integrate molecular, cellular and clinical data
You will be responsible for:
- processing generated data
- quality control
- integration
- scientific interpretation.
The data sources include:
- molecular data
- cellular data
- clinical data.
This is therefore a multimodal translational-research project rather than a single-method laboratory PhD.
Analyse prognostic biomarkers
You will conduct biostatistical analysis of prognostic markers.
This can include analysing whether biomarkers are associated with clinically meaningful outcomes.
The vacancy does not name a particular statistical software package or programming language as mandatory.
Will I publish research?
Yes. The advertised responsibilities include:
- scientific documentation
- presentation of results
- contributions to publications
- project-related reports.
This is therefore explicitly structured as doctoral research with publication-related responsibilities.
Will I supervise students?
Yes. The successful applicant will also provide academic guidance and supervision to students working within the project.
This can include supporting students with:
- experimental work
- analysis
- preparation of academic theses.
Who can apply?
You need a Master's degree, Diplom or equivalent university qualification
in one of the following areas:
- Biology
- Biochemistry
- Biomedicine
- Molecular Medicine
- Bioinformatics
- a related discipline.
You must also demonstrate a strong interest in translational leukemia and cancer research and be willing to pursue a doctorate within the STEP RED-MED project.
Can I apply with a Biology degree?
Yes. Biology is explicitly listed as an eligible academic field.
Your profile may be particularly relevant if you also have experience with:
- molecular biology
- cancer biology
- sequencing
- flow cytometry
- cellular analysis.
Can I apply with Biochemistry?
Yes. Biochemistry is explicitly accepted.
A biochemical background can fit particularly well if your previous work involved cancer biology, molecular diagnostics or biomarker analysis.
Can I apply with Biomedicine?
Yes. Biomedicine is directly named among the eligible degree backgrounds.
Can I apply with Molecular Medicine?
Yes. Molecular Medicine is explicitly listed as an eligible field.
This may be particularly relevant because STEP RED-MED sits at the interface between:
- molecular diagnostics
- clinical oncology
- translational medicine.
Can I apply with Bioinformatics?
Yes. Bioinformatics is explicitly included among the eligible academic disciplines.
However, remember that this position also contains substantial experimental and clinical-coordination components.
A purely computational background may therefore need to demonstrate a strong connection to cancer biology, biomarker research or molecular medicine.
Can I apply with a related degree?
Potentially. The vacancy allows applicants from a related discipline.
Whether your degree qualifies will depend on its relevance to the advertised doctoral research.
Is there a minimum GPA?
No fixed numerical GPA or German-grade threshold is published in the official vacancy.
The posting does not state a requirement such as:
- 1.5
- 2.0
- 3.5/4.0.
Your academic qualifications will nevertheless form part of the recruitment assessment.
Do I need MRD experience?
Not as an absolute eligibility requirement.
The vacancy says that initial practical experience with MRD testing is an advantage.
Relevant methods include:
- next-generation sequencing
- flow cytometry
- single-cell analysis.
This means you may still apply without extensive MRD experience if your broader background strongly fits the project.
Do I need NGS experience?
NGS experience is advantageous rather than explicitly mandatory.
The vacancy states that initial practical experience with MRD testing using next-generation sequencing is an advantage.
If you have NGS experience, make it prominent in your application.
Do I need flow-cytometry experience?
Flow-cytometry experience is also listed as advantageous rather than an absolute requirement.
However, because flow cytometry is one of the core techniques used in the doctoral project, relevant previous laboratory experience can significantly improve your research fit.
Do I need single-cell experience?
Not necessarily. Initial practical experience with single-cell analysis is listed as an advantage.
It is not presented as a mandatory exclusion criterion.
Do I need biostatistics experience?
Knowledge of biostatistics is advantageous.
The official vacancy specifically highlights analysis of prognostic markers.
Applicants with experience in:
- survival analysis
- prognostic modelling
- clinical statistics
- biomarker validation
may therefore have a strong thematic fit, although the vacancy does not mandate a specific statistical technique or software package.
Which personal skills are required?
Beyond technical expertise, the vacancy asks for:
- strong organisational skills
- scientific and analytical ability
- careful working style
- structured working style
- increasing independence
- teamwork ability.
These requirements are particularly relevant because the PhD combines laboratory research with multicentre coordination.
Do I need German?
Yes. You need German language proficiency of at least C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
This is an explicit requirement.
The position therefore should not be described as an English-only PhD.
Do I need English?
Yes. You need at least English B2 in written and spoken communication.
The vacancy describes this as a very good command of English at minimum B2 level.
Can I apply without German?
If you do not meet the C1 German requirement, you do not meet one of the explicitly stated language criteria in the vacancy.
This is particularly relevant for international applicants considering whether the position is suitable.
Can international applicants apply?
Yes. The university explicitly states applications from people of all nationalities are expressly welcome.
This is a stronger statement than merely saying that no nationality restriction is mentioned.
International applicants must still meet:
- academic requirements
- German C1
- English B2
- any degree-recognition requirements.
What happens if my degree is from outside Germany?
If your university degree was not obtained at a German university, you must provide a Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications issued by the Central Office for Foreign Education — ZAB.
The vacancy states that this is required as proof of equivalence when the employment contract is signed.
This timing is important.
Do I need the ZAB Statement before applying?
The vacancy does not say that the ZAB statement must already be available on the initial application date.
It specifically says that applicants with a non-German university degree must provide the ZAB Statement of Comparability when the employment contract is signed.
You should therefore not describe it as a mandatory initial upload unless the employer separately requests it during the application process.
Is this a paid PhD?
Yes. This is a salaried doctoral employment position.
The contract is 65% and remuneration is based on the German public-sector collective agreement TV-L with classification up to pay grade E13.
Is the salary definitely TV-L E13?
Not necessarily at the full E13 classification.
The official wording is up to pay grade 13 depending on:
- assigned duties
- the candidate's qualifications.
For accuracy, the position should therefore be described as “up to TV-L E13 at 65%” rather than simply “TV-L E13”.
The vacancy does not provide an exact gross monthly salary.
Is this a full-time position?
No. The advertised employment percentage is 65%.
The contract is explicitly described as a part-time position.
How long is the contract?
The employment contract lasts 36 months.
That is three years.
When does the position start?
The official vacancy says the position will begin at the earliest possible date.
No fixed calendar start date is provided.
Is this definitely a PhD position?
Yes. The vacancy is explicitly titled Doctoral Researcher
and the employer states that the position provides the opportunity to pursue a doctorate focused on developing innovative biomarkers for early relapse detection.
Applicants are also required to demonstrate willingness to pursue a doctorate within the project.
What research environment will you join?
The position is based within Internal Medicine IV at the Faculty of Medicine / University Hospital Halle.
The doctoral researcher will work in an interdisciplinary environment involving:
- clinical haematology
- oncology
- molecular diagnostics
- sequencing
- flow cytometry
- single-cell analysis
- biostatistics.
This makes the role highly translational, combining clinical and laboratory research rather than focusing on only one methodological area.
Who is the scientific contact?
The vacancy names Prof. Dr. Michael Heuser as the contact person for questions about the position.
Official contact email used for enquiries and electronic applications isThe same innere4@uk-halle.de
What benefits does the position include?
The vacancy lists a comprehensive public-sector employment package.
Occupational pension
Employment includes an occupational pension scheme.
Annual special payment
The TV-L employment package includes an annual special payment.
30 days of annual leave
Employees receive 30 days of annual leave plus days off on 24 December and 31 December.
Flexible working
The vacancy mentions:
- working from home
- flexible working hours
- different part-time arrangements.
The position itself remains advertised at 65%.
Professional development
Employees receive access to:
- staff development
- further training
- professional-development programmes
- educational leave.
Health and sports
The employer provides:
- workplace health-management programmes
- university sports opportunities.
Family-friendly environment
The university describes its work environment as:
- diverse
- international
- family-friendly
and mentions childcare during school holidays.
Subsidised meals
Employees can access subsidised meals in Studentenwerk Halle dining halls.
What documents do you need?
The official vacancy asks applicants to send the usual supporting documents.
It does not publish an itemised mandatory checklist.
For that reason, the article should not claim that documents such as:
- motivation letter
- transcript
- recommendation letters
- publication list
- research proposal
are definitely mandatory unless the employer provides additional instructions.
Prepare a conventional academic job application, but follow any further instructions you receive from University Hospital Halle.
Do I need a research proposal?
A separate PhD or research proposal is not listed as mandatory in the public vacancy.
The project itself is already defined within STEP RED-MED.
Do not submit a lengthy unsolicited proposal unless requested or clearly relevant to the application format.
Do I need recommendation letters?
The public call does not specifically require recommendation letters.
It asks only for the usual supporting documents.
If you wish to include references, make sure they are appropriate, but do not describe them as an explicit requirement.
How to apply for the STEP RED-MED PhD
Step 1 — Check your degree
You need a Master's, Diplom or equivalent qualification in:
- Biology
- Biochemistry
- Biomedicine
- Molecular Medicine
- Bioinformatics
- a related discipline.
Step 2 — Check your languages
You need:
- German C1
- English B2.
Step 3 — Highlight your cancer-research fit
Your application should clearly show your interest in:
- translational leukemia research
- cancer biomarker research.
Step 4 — Highlight relevant methods
If applicable, emphasise experience in:
- MRD
- NGS
- flow cytometry
- single-cell analysis
- biostatistics
- prognostic-marker analysis.
Step 5 — Prepare the usual supporting documents
Follow the standard academic-employment format and any instructions provided by University Hospital Halle.
Yes. The official vacancy also permits postal applications to:
University Hospital Halle (Saale) University Department and Outpatient Clinic of Internal Medicine IV Office of the Director Prof. Dr. Michael Heuser Ernst-Grube-StraĂźe 40 06120 Halle (Saale) Germany.
However, the university explicitly states that electronic applications are encouraged.
Application Deadline
The current deadline is 2 November 2026
The vacancy was republished on 19 October 2026.
The University of Halle's live academic vacancy index currently lists the English Doctoral Researcher position under reference 7-138/26-D with applications accepted until 02/11/2026.
The German version is explicitly marked Neuausschreibung/Verlängerung meaning the position has been re-advertised or extended.
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