News

The first doctoral candidates have been successfully recruited and have started their spaXio journey. Unfortunately, ongoing global challenges have required us to reopen applications for positions that have not yet been filled. 

Doctoral Candidate 4 – Involvment of metabolites in cancer progression and metatasis formation
Strittmatter, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
This project focuses on investigating metabolic alterations that drive cancer progression and metastasis. The doctoral candidate will use advanced techniques such as mass spectrometry imaging, LC-MS/MS, and spatial metabolomics to analyse tumours, metastatic tissues, and tumour-derived extracellular vesicles in mouse models. By integrating metabolomic data with transcriptomic profiles, the project aims to uncover metabolic signatures associated with aggressive cancer behaviour and identify potential therapeutic targets. . Please use this PDF application form and send it to spaXio@plus.ac.at. Be sure to also use the reference letter template.  Deadline for submission: 8th of May 2026 23:59 European summer time.

Doctoral Candidate 10 – Transformer-based design of disease-assoiated tumour microenvironments
Claassen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
This project focuses on developing transformer-based deep learning models to analyse tumour microenvironment (TME) features linked to disease states. The doctoral candidate will use spatial proteomics data and set transformer architectures to learn patterns of cell–cell interactions. By leveraging attention mechanisms, the project aims to generate interpretable insights into disease-associated TME processes. Ultimately, the goal is to enable in silico design of therapeutic TME modifications and identify actionable molecular targets.  Please use this PDF application form and send it to spaXio@plus.ac.at. Be sure to also use the reference letter template.  Deadline for submission: 8th of May 2026 23:59 European summer time.

See "Projects" for further details.

The first doctoral candidates have been successfully recruited and will soon begin their spaXio journey. Several other projects are currently in the selection and match-making phase. See the status of individual projects here.

Unfortunately, no perfect match has yet been found for Projects 12 and 13. We have therefore reopened the application process for these positions. We are specifically seeking two motivated bioinformaticians to help unravel metastatic processes in colon and breast cancer.

Doctoral Candidate 12 – Computational Data Science
Nahnsen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
This position focuses on developing scalable and reproducible computational pipelines for integrating multi-omics and imaging data in cancer research. The candidate will work with nf-core and Nextflow workflows to prepare heterogeneous datasets for machine learning and collaborative analysis of spatial transcriptomics and proteomics data. Please use this PDF application form and send it to spaXio@plus.ac.at. Be sure to also use the reference letter template.  Deadline for submission: 18th of February 2026 23:59.

Doctoral Candidate 13 – Digital Twin Modeling
Morlot, Deeplife, Paris, France
This position focuses on building digital twins of tumour-relevant cell types by integrating single-cell and spatial multi-omics data. The candidate will develop predictive computational models to simulate metastatic niche interactions and support experimental validation for breast and colon cancer research. The ideal candidate will posses strong programmin skills but also understanding of wet lab techniques.  Please use this PDF application form and send it to spaXio@plus.ac.at. Be sure to also use the reference letter template.  Deadline for submission: 18th of February 2026 23:59.

See "Projects" for further details.

We’re excited to share that all applications have been carefully reviewed for eligibility and suitability—thank you to everyone who applied! We’ve already identified several outstanding candidates, and first-round interviews are now underway, focusing on applicants’ primary project choices. For projects where we’re still seeking the best possible match, a second round of interviews based on secondary project selections will take place early next year. Stay tuned for more updates! 

We are thrilled to share that we’ve received more than 200 applications for our program. The evaluation process will be conducted collaboratively by the respective project supervisors. We look forward to reviewing all the innovative and inspiring submissions and will keep you updated as the selection process progresses. 

Less than a week left to apply for our future docotoral candidates!

Join the spaXio Doctoral Network, where we’re decoding the biology of metastasis through spatial omics, organoid models, and computational biology. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this cutting-edge research community.

Further details here.

spaXio, an EU-funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network within the CIVIS European University Alliance (civis.eu), is recruiting 14 PhD candidates to investigate how cancer metastasizes and interacts with the immune system using spatial multi-omics, 3D tumoroids, and AI-driven analysis. Candidates will receive interdisciplinary, cutting-edge training across academia and industry, preparing them to become future leaders in cancer, immuno-oncology, and spatial biology.

Application starts on the 14th of October! Further details here.

The third edition of the Summer School "Immuno-Oncology in the Spatial Omics Era" is currently underway, supported by spaXio members. Hosted by the Institute Cancer and Immunology, the programme brings together international Master’s and PhD students to explore how spatial omics technologies are transforming cancer research. Participants engage in hands-on workshops, theoretical sessions, and problem-based learning to understand tumor immunity at the molecular and tissue levels. Renowned experts are delivering advanced seminars on spatial transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolic imaging. This immersive programme emphasizes the integration of cutting-edge research with practical laboratory experience. 

The first successful run of the Xenium spatial transcriptomics platform has been completed in Salzburg! This cutting-edge technology—now installed at the Paris Lodron University Salzburg—was made possible thanks to funding from the FFG funded-CellComm initiative and the incredible support of the Centre for Tumour Biology and Immunology, as well as the Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology.

The Xenium will play a vital role in spatially resolved omics for spaXio’s mission to uncover the secrets of metastatic niches.

spaXio will start beginning of October 2025 and start recruiting doctoral candidates beginning of next year.

Follow us @BlueSky, @Mastodon  and @LinkedIn for updates.

The international research project spaXio (spatial crosstalk in immuno-oncology), coordinated by the University of Salzburg, has been selected for funding through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks program of the European Union.

spaXio brings together leading scientists from institutions in Salzburg, Tübingen, Marseille, Madrid, Lausanne, and Munich, in close collaboration with academic, clinical, and industry partners across Europe and the United States. The project aims to explore how cancer spreads to distant organs by investigating the spatial and temporal interactions between tumor cells, immune cells, the microbiome, and their surrounding tissue environments.

Using spatial omics technologies, 3D tumor models, and AI-driven digital twins, the consortium will develop new approaches to understand metastasis and identify targeted therapies.

At its core, spaXio will train 13 interdisciplinary doctoral researchers, equipping them with cutting-edge scientific and transferable skills to shape the future of personalized cancer treatment.