Open Positions

Actionable targets of cancer plasticity

Are you interested in combating driving mechanisms of cancer resistance and metastasis?

The Csiszar Group is recruiting a master student (f/m/d) interested in applying in vitro and mouse models in cancer plasticity research.

Our team, closely associated with the Szakacs group, at the Center of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, aims to find vulnerabilities of cancer plasticity—the ability of tumor cells to dynamically shift between epithelial, mesenchymal, stem-like, and drug-tolerant states. While plasticity is a major driver of metastasis and therapy resistance, yet its actionable molecular targets remain poorly defined. This project aims to validate candidate targets of cancer plasticity using advanced 3D in vitro and clinically relevant in vivo models of metastatic breast cancer covering both cell intrinsic and systemic mechanisms of actions and therapeutic effects.

Your responsibilities

• experimental design and scientific methods: extract state-of-the-art methodologies from literature and adapt to our model systems and research questions
• cell culture and organoid assays: characterize genetic and pharmacological loss- and gain-of-function scenarios of candidate genes/pathways in diverse in vitro drug treatment and invasion assays.
• live-cell imaging and image analysis: monitor drug-induced cellular plasticity using reporters, morphological and motility changes and develop quantitative measures
• tissue preparation, histology and AI-assisted digital pathology: mouse tumor model-derived tissue preparation for omics pipelines, histological stainings and quantitative analysis
• spectral flow cytometry: immune profiling of syngeneic mouse tumor models upon different perturbations
• documentation: collect, analyze, and summarize data in a structured and accurate manner. Present results at lab meetings and institutional seminar.

Your profile

• enrolled in a Master's degree in a relevant subject
• good technical skills with wet-lab experience (mammalian cell culture experience is highly desirable)
• experience (e.g. internships) in a relevant area and R coding are a plus
• excellent verbal and written communication skills in English (German not required)
• self-motivated, enthusiastic and keen to learn, good team player, creativity
• Independent and scientific mindset with problem-solving attitude

What we offer

• A master thesis position for 9-12 months, starting in March 2026
• An exciting project in a stimulating and international environment
• Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure
• A monthly allowance of € 440

Your application

• Motivation letter
• CV with listing relevant pre-experience
• Contact of two references

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

We are seeking passionate and curious researchers at all career levels (MSc, PhD, Postdoc). If you are inspired to understand the role of metabolism in tumour initiation progression and response to therapy, we want to hear from you!

For informal inquiries, please send an email to Saverio with your CV, a cover letter (max two pages) explaining your interest in our research, which specific project you would like to develop, and how you envision contributing to our work. Please also indicate the contact information of two referees who can speak to your qualifications and character.

Short research projects are available for bachelor and master theses. MSc and BSc students interested in working on either the experimental or the computational side of the lab’s research topics, or both, are encouraged to apply. If interested, please contact Iros Barozzi for more information.