Junior Research Groups

The DKFZ recruits promising early-career scientists each year to establish independent research groups and strengthen the next generation of leaders in cancer research. This recruitment is conducted through an international symposium where selected postdoctoral researchers present their independent scientific vision. Tenure-track research group leaders receive core funding and are typically evaluated by an international expert committee after six years of independent research.

To further strengthen its translational research goals, the DKFZ has launched an innovative program supporting a growing number of Junior Clinical Cooperation Units (CCUs). These units provide clinically active researchers with financial resources and protected research time to establish a translationally focused research group. Since 2021, these CCUs have enabled scientific independence and fostered the development of experienced clinician-scientists before they assume leadership roles in clinical practice. Currently, several Junior Clinical Cooperation Units at the DKFZ work closely with specific programs at the University Hospitals in Heidelberg and Mannheim, including medical oncology, surgery, neurology, and imaging.

We are looking for a creative, ambitious, and collaborative early career scientist to establish an independent, tenure-track junior research group to pursue cutting-edge questions in any of our research topics: Cell and Tumor Biology, Functional and Structural Genomics, Cancer Risk Factors and Prevention, Immunology, Infection & Cancer and Imaging and Radiology (www.dkfz.de/en/research). Cross-cutting programs focused on single cell or disruptive biotechnologies, cancer prevention, digital oncology, disease-specific focus groups, translation are also welcomed. A successful applicant will have an outstanding postdoctoral track record and strong background in basic tumor biology and/or preclinical cancer research.  

The scientific symposium with individual interviews will take place in Heidelberg on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

The call for applications will follow in May 2025.