Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum - Jobs

Biostatistician

1774276634

Advising DKFZ researchers at every stage of their projects – from study design to statistical analysis, interpretation, and manuscript preparation
Contributing to the analysis of high-dimensional omics data (genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics) and their association with clinical phenotypes
Providing statistical expertise for the design and analysis of clinical and observational studies, including research for the National Clinical Amyloidosis Registry
Developing and applying novel statistical methods tailored to emerging research questions in biology and medicine

Full Professorship (W3) for ‚Clinical Epidemiology of Early Cancer Detection’ (f/m/d)

1772620000

The successful candidate will initiate interdisciplinary collaborations on a national as well as international level to conduct large-scale epidemiological studies, including interventional trials. The new division head will develop and enhance modern methods in epidemiological research, including AI-assisted diagnostics, decision modeling, and implementation science, to find new avenues for more cost-effective, personalized, and risk-adapted approaches as well as powerful population-based programs. The portfolio will include, for example, the evaluation of risk factors and risk markers, early cancer detection markers and prognostic factors as well as state-of-the-art methodology of cohort studies and interventional trials. The successful candidate will work closely together with other interdisciplinary teams in the fields of epidemiology, primary cancer prevention, oncogenesis research, biomarker development, imaging, and cancer survivorship research, thereby focusing on questions of high relevance to the implementation of early detection programs at the individual and population level. The successful candidate must have a strong track record of participating in large international consortia and has conducted cross-sectional and cross-institutional work. Experience gained at internationally leading cancer institutions is also highly desirable. We are looking for a candidate who has demonstrated successful acquisition of independent third-party funding. The position offers an exceptional opportunity to lead a division dedicated to advancing the mission of the DKFZ in the field of early detection research. The successful candidate has proven leadership skills, is capable of mentoring and furthering junior researchers, fostering a stimulating and inclusive research environment and assuring leadership roles in comprehensive strategic programs.

The W3 professorship will be part of the “Epidemiology, Public Health, Prevention and Survivorship” research topic at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and is part of the National Cancer Prevention Center (NCPC) in Heidelberg, which is currently being established in a partnership between the DKFZ and the German Cancer Aid (Deutsche Krebshilfe). Research relevant for early cancer detection is also performed by a number of DKFZ research divisions and groups in the fields of cancer biology, data science, physics, and biomedical engineering, as well as clinical translation. The successful candidate will build cooperations with these groups and benefit from the rich research environment at DKFZ. Collaboration with DKFZ’s clinical and research partners will give him/her excellent access to clinical data and materials, large epidemiological cohorts, and cancer registries.

The ideal candidate will link his/her research program to the University Hospitals in Mannheim and Heidelberg, the NCPC, the DKFZ Hector Cancer Insitute at University Medicine Mannheim, the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Helmholtz Health, the German National Cohort (NAKO), the network of Comprehensive Cancer Centers (CCC) of the German Cancer Aid and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), as well as extend collaborations with leading global institutions, including the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Cancer Prevention Europe (CPE), Cancer Core Europe (CCE), and the International Alliance for Cancer Early Detection (ACED) – and thereby represent methodological, policy-oriented and clinical-strategic networks.

The position at the level of a division head is equipped with attractive basic funding, including personnel, consumables, and investment resources. In addition, access to competitive intramural funding programs of the DKFZ and the Helmholtz Association is provided.

Prerequisites for application are a completed university degree in human medicine, a qualified doctorate, and pedagogical eligibility, which is usually demonstrated by teaching experience, as well as additional scientific achievements (a habilitation, a successfully evaluated junior professorship, or habilitation-equivalent qualifications) in accordance with article 47 (2) of the Higher Education Act of the Federal State of Baden-Württemberg.

The position is tenured. The joint appointment follows the ‘Jülich model’, where the successful candidate will be appointed as a full and lifetime professor at Heidelberg University and granted a leave of absence to the DKFZ to lead the division ‘Clinical Epidemiology of Early Cancer Detection’. If the general requirements under civil service law and budgetary law are met, the appointment to the professorship will usually be made directly on the basis of a lifetime civil servant status (Beamtenverhältnis auf Lebenszeit).

Applications should be submitted by April 16, 2026, including curriculum vitae, copies of certificates and degrees, a list of publications, a research concept, and information on teaching experience in accordance with the "Applicant Guideline Template" and the “Applicant Form” of the Medical Faculty Mannheim for W3 professorships (see https://www.umm.uni-heidelberg.de/karriere/berufung/). The application is to be submitted exclusively in electronic form, both through the DKFZ application management (https://www.dkfz.de/en/career/jobs) to Prof. Dr. med. Dr. h.c. Michael Baumann, Chairman and Scientific Director of the DKFZ, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany, as well as by email via the “Berufungsteam” of the Medical Faculty Mannheim (berufung@medma.uni-heidelberg.de) to Prof. Dr. med. Sergij Goerdt, Dean of the Medical Faculty Mannheim of Heidelberg University.

Head of an independent Junior Research Group in Translational Gynecologic Cancer Research

1775568476

We are looking for a creative, ambitious, and collaborative early-career researcher to establish an independent junior research group (https://www.dkfz.de/en/research) in translational gynecologic cancer research, focusing on early detection, diagnosis, therapy, or prevention of ovarian and/or endometrial cancer and other gynecologic malignancies.

The successful candidate’s laboratory will be placed within the DKFZ based on our research topics: Cell and Tumor Biology; Functional and Structural Genomics; Epidemiology, Public Health, Prevention and Survivorship; Immunology, Infection & Cancer; and Imaging and Radiology. Participation in cross-cutting programs focused on biomedical engineering and technology development, cancer prevention, digital oncology, and translational approaches is also welcomed.

The junior research group will closely collaborate with the Departments of Gynecology at the University Hospitals Heidelberg and Mannheim, providing access to clinical expertise, patient biomaterial, and clinical data for collaborative translational research projects. A newly established Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Program at the Heidelberg University Women’s Hospital will be available to support the candidate. Close collaboration with the divisions and research groups of the DKFZ and its research networks, including the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), the DKFZ Hector Cancer Institute at University Medicine Mannheim, and the National Cancer Prevention Center (NCPC), is strongly encouraged.

The position is intended for researchers in the so-called “qualification phase”, i.e. advanced postdoctoral researchers transitioning to research independence. It is aimed at applicants who have sufficient experience to lead a research group independently but are still in the early stages of their career. The successful applicant will have an outstanding postdoctoral track record and a strong background in tumor biology and/or preclinical and translational cancer research and will be well positioned to establish full independence within our world-leading research landscape.

The DKFZ and the greater Heidelberg biomedical campus offer an excellent, dynamic, and supportive research landscape with cutting-edge technology platforms and state-of-the-art scientific core facilities (https://www.dkfz.de/en/forschung/core-facilities), as well as academic training programs within the DKFZ Cancer Research Academy (https://www.dkfz.de/en/career/cancer-research-academy).

Living and Working in Heidelberg:

Heidelberg offers a highly international, bilingual, and scientifically vibrant environment with an excellent quality of life. One of Europe’s leading life science hubs, Heidelberg has a dense network of internationally renowned research institutions. The city is widely recognized for its safety, historic character, and proximity to the Odenwald mountains, as well as for its strong academics. Heidelberg has extensive cultural offerings and multiple international schools for researchers and their families.

Your profile:

Doctoral degree (e.g., Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent) in natural sciences, medical sciences, medicine, computational sciences, epidemiology/public health, or another discipline relevant to cancer research.
Excellent postdoctoral research experience corresponding to an academic age of typically 3–6 years after completion of the doctoral degree
Significant international research experience (typically >3 years)
Outstanding scientific achievements demonstrated by a strong publication record and professional accomplishments
Strong track record in the management and coordination of interdisciplinary research projects
Proven success in the acquisition of third-party funding
Demonstrated ability to independently build, lead, mentor, and manage a diverse and interdisciplinary research team
Strong motivation to initiate collaborations and actively contribute to the surrounding research community and to advance translational cancer research
Fluency in spoken and written English and ability to work in an international research environment

Applicants must provide a motivation letter, a CV, a list of publications, an up to five-page research synopsis summarizing current and past research accomplishments and outlining the candidate's research program for the next six years, as well as contact information for their current supervisor and between 2–4 international, senior, high-profile referees.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to present their research at a Scientific Symposium to be held in October 2026.

What we offer:

Attractive core funding for six years
Remuneration according to TV-L, including social benefits, such as an occupational pension plan
A highly supportive research environment at the DKFZ and the wider scientific community, including faculty at Heidelberg University, EMBL, and local Max Planck Institutes, as well as opportunities for national and international networking
A welcoming and collaborative international community of researchers supporting scientific excellence and career development
Campus with modern, state-of-the-art infrastructure, including access to large clinical datasets and sample collections, support for preclinical model systems, and access to a dedicated high-performance computing cluster
Administrative support for extramural grant applications (e.g., ERC)
30 days of vacation per year
Flexible working hours and a family-friendly environment (e.g., parent-child room, advisory services for caring for elderly relatives)
Sustainable commuting options, including a subsidized public transportation ticket
Comprehensive professional development opportunities, including training, mentoring, leadership programs, and occupational health management

Duration: The position is limited to six years.

Application deadline: May 17, 2026 (23:59 CET)

Contact: Dr. Katja Engelmann, phone: +49 (0) 6221 42-2165, email: berufungen@dkfz-heidelberg.de

We are convinced that an innovative research and working environment thrives on the diversity of its employees. Therefore, we welcome applications from talented people, regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical ability, religion and age. People with severe disabilities are given preference if they have the same aptitude.

Applications by e-mail cannot be accepted. Please also note that we cannot return applications submitted by post.

Medical Physicist

1772024211

As a medical physicist, you will be responsible for operating imaging devices in both clinical and research contexts. Ensuring safety in handling radioactive materials and the use of X-rays is a primary responsibility, and an appointment as radiation protection officer is foreseen.

A major function also lies in the establishment and optimization of imaging protocols in close collaboration with project partners who will benefit from broad support ranging from the initial experimental design up to data preparation and ultimately quantification.

You will oversee the research PACS at the NCT and be the main contact person for questions about imaging processing, analysis, and archiving.

Postdoctoral Scientist in Translational Bioinformatics and Pharmacogenomics

1773051769

You will work in an interdisciplinary and international team of bioinformaticians, molecular biologists, and clinicians to identify (i) targetable lesions for cancer patients in high-dimensional data, including next-generation sequencing, epigenomic, and proteomic data, and (ii) perform germline and somatic genotyping in pharmacogene loci.

You will provide clinically relevant interpretation of both targetable lesions and drug metabolizer phenotypes, which form the basis of recommendations for targeted therapies. The analysis results will improve personalized treatment recommendations that will be discussed in weekly molecular tumor boards. You will evaluate molecular biomarkers for the inclusion of patients in interventional clinical trials.

You will work in and contribute to a quality management system for accreditation according to ISO 15189, and you will be part of an EU-funded multinational project.

Furthermore, you may participate in the development of workflows and pipelines for the analysis of high-dimensional data. You will have the opportunity to develop your own research projects in collaboration with other dry and wet lab scientists at our center.

Research Data Infrastructure Engineer

1773768820

The successful candidate will support our team in managing the GHGA cloud infrastructure, developing and maintaining genomics and health web services following the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH) standards, and integrating them with our national and international partners. The role will involve close cooperation with other partners in the GHGA network, as well as international networks and initiatives.

YOUR TASKS:

Design, and manage deployments on Kubernetes clusters within our internal and commercial cloud infrastructure
Develop and maintain state-of-the-art/modern FastAPI-based microservices, ensuring automated and reliable deployment using Helm charts and Pulumi
Integrate API and metadata services for global European biomedical networks
Learn, follow, and contribute to global GA4GH standards like DRS (Data Repository Service), Beacon, LS AAI (Life Sciences Authentication and Authorization Infrastructure), and Crypt4GH
Collaborate closely with bioinformaticians, developers, data stewards, and international partners to support data sharing, research, and interoperability

We offer the opportunity to help shape one of the most important emerging scientific data infrastructures for the storage and exchange of omics data in Germany.

Your profile:

MSc in computer science, bioinformatics, mathematics, physics, or similar background;
alternatively a BSc or equivalent with several years of relevant professional experience
Proven experience in DevOps and cloud infrastructure management using Kubernetes
Excellent problem-solving skills
Proficiency with administration and containerisation of Linux systems
Understanding of IT security practices and standards (e.g. ISO27001, BSI, secure infrastructure design)
Experience with Infrastructure as Code tools (e.g. Terraform, Pulumi) and Kubernetes deployment tools (e.g. Helm, ArgoCD)
Familiarity with DevOps practices and CI/CD
Experience or interest in microservices design patterns and domain-driven design
Experience with or interest in (meta)data interoperability standards and FAIR data principles
Experience with Authentication and Authorization Infrastructure (AAI) systems, including federated identity and access management (e.g. LS Login, ELIXIR AAI, OAuth2/OIDC)
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment
Strong communication skills in English, with the ability to translate technical requirements for diverse stakeholders

Your possibilities:

Shape one of Germany’s most important scientific data infrastructures for health data
Contribute to interdisciplinary efforts, bridging cutting-edge research with clinical applications
Work with an interdisciplinary team of experts, bringing state-of-the-art biomedical research closer to clinics and patients
Widen your expertise with extensive possibilities of training programs, seminars, and conferences

Scientific Grants Advisor

1773226158

Provide information, guidance and individual support for DKFZ scientists seeking suitable funding programs for their research (e.g., German, EU, and international funding programs, with a focus on research valorization)
Assist scientists in preparing the strategic orientation and content of their third-party funded grant applications from the project idea to the draft and full application phase
Read and provide feedback on grant proposals for individual and collaborative research
Organize and carry out workshops and information events for various target groups on relevant topics related to third-party funding and grant applications
Identification of research results at DKFZ with transfer potential and proactive work on increasing participation in transfer-oriented grants
Provide text modules for grant applications
Close collaboration within the „Scientific Grants Advisors and EU Strategy Group” and with the “Proposal and Project Administration Group” of the Grants Office, as well as with other administrative departments such as Innovation Management at DKFZ

Scientific Solution Architect

1772789397

Project Description

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to substantially improve medical care, from early diagnosis to treatment planning and follow-up. Despite rapid technical advances, many AI algorithms in healthcare do not yet address the most urgent clinical needs. Research efforts are frequently shaped by the availability of data rather than by the relevance of the underlying medical problem.

Medical Imaging AGI’s Last Exam (MEDAL) is an international initiative funded by the foundation Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung that seeks to realign medical AI development with real-world clinical needs. The project aims to establish a globally relevant benchmark based on high-impact clinical questions. Through a large-scale global crowdsourcing campaign, experts worldwide are invited to submit clinically meaningful challenges together with corresponding imaging data. An international, multidisciplinary expert panel will identify those tasks whose solution would have clear relevance for patient care.

MEDAL’s objective is to create a rigorous and internationally recognized “final exam” for medical AI – a benchmark designed to assess whether advanced AI models can address complex clinical scenarios and demonstrate tangible clinical value, thereby channeling scientific effort and resources toward the most pressing medical challenges.

Role and responsibilities

We are looking for a solution architect to design and shape the technical architecture of the MEDAL project, an international initiative aiming to establish a next-generation benchmark for medical imaging AI. The role combines architectural responsibility with close collaboration in a research environment and allows for active technical involvement where appropriate.

Working closely with researchers, clinicians, legal experts, and external technical partners, the solution architect will define the technical foundations of secure and sustainable research platforms.

Key responsibilities include:

Designing the overall system architecture for complex research platforms
Conceptualizing data submission workflows for sensitive medical imaging data
Defining architectural concepts for benchmarking and evaluation platforms, including secure execution of submitted models
Developing concepts for model deployment and hosting in a research benchmarking context
Translating scientific, regulatory, and ethical requirements into technical systems designs
Making and documenting architectural decisions and technical trade-offs
Acting as a technical interface between research teams, software developers, legal experts, and external infrastructure providers
Supporting implementation planning and contributing to technical development where appropriate

What we expect:

A master's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field
Experience in solution architecture, systems architecture, or a senior technical role
A solid understanding of secure systems design (e.g., SOC, HITRUST CSF) and data protection principles
Familiarity with architectural concepts related to:

Cloud or hybrid infrastructures
Data ingestion and storage systems
Modular or service oriented architectures
Isolated execution environments, for example based on container technologies

Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to interdisciplinary and non technical stakeholders
A structured and solution oriented working style
Excellent English communication skills, written and verbal
Experience with medical data, AI infrastructures, or regulated environments is advantageous but not required

What makes this position special:

Work on an exciting, highest-impact research project
Being part of a team of highly skilled and motivated scientists
A highly interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment including clinical and technical partners
Professional scientific work infrastructure including state-of-the-art computational resources

Student / Scientific Assistant for up to 39 hours/month

1774968772

Assistance with weekly molecular biology tasks (e.g., routine lab workflows)
Preparation of buffers, reagents, and agarose gels/plates
Support with general laboratory organization, including stock management and consumables
Maintenance of a clean and well-organized lab workspace
Assistance to team members with basic experimental setup as needed

Technical Assistant

1774609757

This is a translational research laboratory in which the candidate would be responsible for performing various lab duties. The successful candidate will assist the investigators in:

Coordinating and executing the collection of human samples (e.g., blood, tissue, stool, etc.), their processing (e.g., PBMC isolation), and biobanking in adherence to ethical guidelines, data protection, and biosafety regulations and maintaining databases for translational programs and clinical trials
Executing and optimizing a wide range of laboratory techniques, including but not limited to cell culture (BLS1/S2, passage of 2D cell lines and 3D culture models, organoids) and in vitro assays, immunoassays (FACS, functional assays, ELISA), as well as molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, qPCR, cloning)
Design, conduct, and documentation of animal experiments in accordance with legal and ethical standards, including the preparation of applications for animal experimentation permits
General tasks related to laboratory organization (orders, training); in addition, you will maintain and operate modern laboratory equipment and independently perform computer-assisted data analysis and laboratory management
Training and assistance in day-to-day supervision of junior staff, students, and interns
Keeping highly organized documentation of activities
Working efficiently and collaboratively as part of our team, supporting other team members in their day-to-day tasks

University Professorship (W3) „Nuclear Chemistry and Radiopharmaceutical Sciences in (Translational) Cancer Research“ (f/m/d)

1774362823

Job description

The newly established professorship “Nuclear Chemistry and Radiopharmaceutical Sciences in (Translational) Cancer Research” aims to identify novel therapeutic targets for cancer and to make them usable for therapeutic approaches. A central focus lies on the development of innovative radiotracers and radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic and therapeutic applications in oncology, with particular emphasis on structure-activity relationships. These activities are expected to be conducted at an internationally leading level and to achieve new clinical milestones that sustainably contribute to the advancement of clinical practice.

The professorship is expected to conduct comprehensive preclinical (radio)analytical in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo evaluations and to actively support the translation of the results into prospective clinical trials. In addition, the molecular and biological mechanisms underlying tumor radioresistance are to be investigated, and strategies to further enhance the efficacy of targeted radionuclide therapies (Targeted Radionuclide Therapy, TRNT) are to be developed.

The candidate is also expected to actively support the establishment and further development of the complex research and treatment infrastructure (including control areas, a theranostics unit, and GMP-compliant facilities) and to ensure their usability from both a technical and scientific perspective.

Given the highly interdisciplinary nature of the research field, close collaboration with universities, university hospitals, non-university research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, the Helmholtz Association’s network for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences, as well as additional national and international research networks is expected, in particular the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK). The candidate is expected to pursue an integrative approach that connects nuclear chemistry, radiopharmacy, radiobiology, and nuclear medicine, thereby providing a solid foundation for the transition toward modern personalized precision medicine for cancer patients.

The position, at the level of a division head at DKFZ, is equipped with attractive core funding, including budget for personnel, consumables, and investments. In addition, access is provided to competitive intramural funding programs of the DKFZ and the Helmholtz Association.

The teaching obligation associated with the professorship at the KIT Department of Chemistry and Biosciences is 2 hours per week per semester.

Personal qualification

Employment is subject to Art. 14, par. (2) of the KIT Act in conjunction with Art. 47 LHG Baden-Württemberg (Act of Baden-Württemberg on Universities and Colleges).

Demonstrated expertise, extensive experience, and outstanding scientific achievements in the fundamental, applied, and translational aspects of nuclear chemistry and radiopharmacy are required.

The professorship is a joint appointment with the German Cancer Research Centre and is based on the Jülich model. At the same time, the holder will be granted leave of absence to the DKFZ to lead the division “Nuclear Chemistry and Radiopharmaceutical Sciences in (Translational) Cancer Research”. If the civil service and budgetary requirements are met, the appointment to the professorship is usually made directly on the basis of a lifetime civil servant status (Beamtenverhältnis auf Lebenszeit).

Organizational unit: Division I - Biology, Chemistry and Process Engineering, KIT Department of Chemistry and Biosciences

Contract duration: The position is permanent.

Application deadline: 27.04.2026

Contact person in line management: For further information, please contact Professor Dr. med. Dr. h.c. Michael Baumann, phone: +49 (0)6221/42-2850, email: berufungen@dkfz-heidelberg.de.

How to apply

Please mail your application with the relevant documents (curriculum vitae, list of publications, diplomas/certificates, teaching evaluations, description of previous and planned research and teaching activities, research and teaching concept, description of your own contributions in the above-mentioned areas, acquired third-party funds, statement on scientific honesty), preferably as a single PDF file, to Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Division I – Biology, Chemistry, and Process Engineering, Head of Division Professor Dr. Andrea Robitzki, e-mail: berufungsverfahren@bl1.kit.edu as well as to the Chairman and Scientific Director of the DKFZ, Professor Dr. Dr. h. c. Michael Baumann, via the DKFZ online application tool, quoting the relevant reference number (https://www.dkfz.de/en/career/jobs).

Please also note that we cannot return applications submitted by post.

DKFZ and KIT are convinced that innovative research and working environment thrives on the diversity of its employees. Therefore, we welcome applications from talented people, regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical ability, religion and age. People with severe disabilities are given preference if they have the same aptitude.

We prefer to balance the number of employees (f/m/d). Therefore, we kindly ask female applicants to apply for this job.

As a family-friendly university, KIT offers part-time employment, leaves of absence, a dual career service, and coaching to support the work-life balance. DKFZ offers a family-friendly working environment, flexible working hours, 30 days of vacation per year, targeted offers for your personal development, our Corporate Health Management Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being, and a subsidized Germany job ticket.

Your personal data will be processed by KIT in accordance with this privacy policy.