PhD Student (f/m/d) - Computational Cancer Genomics / Bioinformatics

Location: Vienna

Research group: George Cresswell Group

Working hours: Fulltime

Are you interested in working in an ambitious team that combines genomics and tumor evolution to better understand pediatric cancers?

Do you have a passion for understanding why some cancers resist treatment?

Here is your chance to contribute to science that makes a difference!

The Cresswell Group is recruiting a PhD student (f/m/d) interested in bioinformatics, cancer genomics and tumor evolution to strengthen its young and innovative research team. In this responsible role, you will have the unique opportunity to be part of a multidisciplinary competence center for pediatric cancer research and to have a direct influence on understanding how cancers develop resistance to therapy.

The Cresswell Group is focused on the mutational processes and evolution of pediatric cancers. The aim of this research group is to get a better understanding of cancer and to predict which children are most at risk of a poor response to treatment. Inspired by Darwinian principles of variation and selection, the Cresswell group combines computational analysis, evolutionary experiments and genomics, to gain a deep insight into how cancers adapt.

Research projects in the Cresswell group are supported by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF). Information about the Cresswell group can be found here: https://ccri.at/research-group/cresswell-group/

Your responsibilities

Analysis of rich, state-of-the-art datasets: You will analyze multiple data types, such as whole genome sequencing, single-cell sequencing and cell barcoding, using established workflows, new methods and your own algorithms. Through this, you will identify the genetic and phenotypic alterations that occur in pediatric cancers and will get a better understanding of how they resist treatment.

Leading research: You will lead and develop your own research project, provide innovative approaches and work independently with high scientific integrity.

Scientific writing: You will write manuscripts, present at conferences and apply for fellowships.

Teamwork: You will work in a highly collaborative multidisciplinary team, that synergizes with other teams at the institute, solving problems in novel ways.

Your profile

What you bring for this position:

Master’s degree in a relevant subject (e.g. bioinformatics, computer science, genetics, evolutionary biology or precision medicine)

Strong coding skills (e.g. R, python, bash) and a solid understanding of statistics

Good understanding of molecular biology/genetics, ideally in the field of cancer research

The following are considered a plus:

Experience with next generation sequencing data analysis or other genome-wide assays

Experience with machine learning methods in bioinformatics

Enthusiasm, determination, creativity and scientific curiosity

Motivation to pursue an ambitious research agenda and to make it your own

Team player with strong communication skills and a proactive “getting things done’’ mentality

Excellent verbal and written skills in English are required (German is not required)

Our offer

Does this sound interesting? This is our offer to you:

A challenging role in a meaningful, inspiring, and international environment

An outstanding working atmosphere in a young and dynamic team

Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure

Flexible working hours, discounted lunch and other great benefits

Great location in the center of Vienna, a capital of biomedical research in Europe with excellent quality of life

An attractive salary package according to the Austrian Science Fund FWF (https://www.fwf.ac.at/en/research-funding/personnel-costs/)

Who we are

The St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (St. Anna CCRI) is located in the heart of Vienna, the most livable city in the world and one of the most important sites for biomedical research in Europe. St. Anna CCRI is a multidisciplinary and internationally networked center of excellence whose goal is to contribute to a sustainable improvement in the cure rates of childhood and adolescent cancers through innovative research and development. Due to the close cooperation between clinic and research, St. Anna CCRI offers the ideal environment for cutting-edge research at a high international level and its implementation in clinical practice.

St. Anna CCRI is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to providing a work environment of mutual respect to everyone without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender identity or expression, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.

Find more information here: https://ccri.at/

Your application

We are looking forward to your application!

The application should contain:

1. Curriculum Vitae

2. Motivation Letter (max. 1 page including answers to the questions: What makes this position attractive to you? What relevant papers interest you the most? What qualifications/experiences make you a good fit? Please provide examples where you demonstrated your skills)

3. Contact details of 2-3 references

The application deadline is the 13.10.2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.