Independent Junior Research Group Leader in "Translational Cancer Research"

The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) is Germany's largest biomedical research institute and a leading center for cancer research. With over 3,400 employees, five research focus areas, and a wide network of regional locations, the DKFZ has a long history of groundbreaking discoveries in all fields of cancer biology and across biosciences.

Together with selected university partner sites, the DKFZ has established the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK). The alliance between the DKFZ as the core center and the university partner sites in Berlin, Dresden, Essen/Düsseldorf, Frankfurt/Mainz, Freiburg, Heidelberg, Munich and Tübingen establishes joint translation centers at the University Medical Centers of each of the selected partner site. The DKTK contributes significantly to filling the translational gap between basic and clinical cancer research, thereby developing new strategies for personalized oncology in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. DKTK conducts transformative translational cancer research, educates the next generation of translation-oriented medical and clinical scientists and establishes strong pipelines towards clinical cancer research and the economy. Further information can be found at

Job description

We seek to appoint an independent junior research group leader with a strong background in translational cancer research to match and propel the scientific profile of the DKTK partner site Berlin:

Our translational research program is focused on addressing some of the most pressing clinical challenges in cancer treatment by developing innovative diagnostic methods, therapeutic approaches, and molecular prevention strategies (). The research activities are structured around several major focus areas: i) preclinical development of novel T cell-mediated immunotherapies, ii) implementation of functional oncology strategies (signaling-based precision oncology alongside target discovery and validation) and iii) advancement of innovative diagnostics (particularly proteomics/immunopeptidomics, metabolomics, epigenomics, single-cell and spatial applications). Specific research fields that will be strengthened at the DKTK partner site Berlin in the near future include: genetic screening technologies in pre-clinical models and patient biomaterials, cancer proteomics and metabolomics, characterization and therapeutic targeting of the tumor microenvironment and microbiome, development of novel (non)cellular immunotherapeutic interventions, innovative diagnostics for therapy monitoring with liquid biopsies, and innovative applied data science solutions.

The DKFZ and the DKTK partner site Berlin provide an outstanding, dynamic and vibrant research environment focused on interdisciplinary team science and including access to numerous state-of-the-art technological platforms/core facilities, locally and DKTK-wide. This includes core facilities for genomics/epigenomics, proteomics, metabolomics, imaging mass spectrometry/cellular imaging, flow cytometry/CYTOF, optogenetics; a focus area on single-cell cancer medicine; data science support (bioinformatics, machine learning, modeling), state-of-the-art computing clusters and GMP facilities. In addition, access to large retrospective and prospective cancer biomaterial sample collections from patient cohorts treated in large clinical trials with well-documented clinical data as well as to a rich repertoire of preclinical in vivo models (patient-derived and genetic) will be available.

The successful candidate will be employed at the DKFZ Heidelberg and physically located at a closely collaborating clinical department / institute at the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin. The new junior research group will foster the development of relevant translational approaches.

Possibility for part-time clinical activity (up to 20 %) can be discussed.

Your profile

• PhD in life or data sciences and/or MD in medicine
• Significant postdoctoral experience (3-6 years) in a research area that matches the DKTK partner site Berlin profile
• Research experience (typically >3 years) in an international competitive environment
• Deep understanding of preclinical and clinical precision medicine approaches
• Internationally recognized record of accomplishment in the field of translational cancer research demonstrated by a strong publication record and successful acquisition of third party funding in this field, appropriate to stage of the career
• Ability and interest in leading and managing a growing research group including the mentoring of postdocs, doctoral researchers and students
• Vision for an internationally competitive innovative research program and strong motivation to interact/collaborate with research groups in basic, translational and clinical cancer research within the within DKTK and NCT networks
• Ability to manage and coordinate interdisciplinary cancer research projects
• Independent and self-reliant way of working, characterized by a high degree of initiative and sense of responsibility
• Drive to collaborate internally and externally and work within a team to achieve shared goals
• Integration into existing coordinated research collaborations and graduate schools of the Charité (), the DKFZ () and the DKTK ()
• Experience in teaching, didactic skills and willingness to participate in teaching activities are welcome
• Fluency in verbal and written English

Application process:

Applications should include a CV, a list of publications, a 5-page research synopsis of current/past research accomplishments, that outlines the candidate´s research program for the next 6 years, as well as contact information of their current supervisor and between 2-4 international, senior, high-profile scientists with no conflicts of interest who are willing to provide letters of support.

To apply for a position please use our online application portal.

We Offer

Excellent framework conditions: state-of-the-art equipment and opportunities for international networking at the highest level

Remuneration according to TV-L incl. occupational pension plan and capital-forming payments

Attractive core funding for six years

Access to international research networks

30 days of vacation per year

Flexible working hours

Possibility of mobile work and part-time work

Family-friendly working environment

Comprehensive further training program, options for mentoring and leadership programs

Sustainable travel to work: subsidized Germany job ticket

Our Corporate Health Management Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being

Administrative support for extramural grant application