Independent Junior Research Group Leader in “Translational Cancer Research”
Kennziffer: 2025-0189
- Freiburg
- Full-time
- DKTK partner site Freiburg
„Forschen für ein Leben ohne Krebs“ – das ist unsere Aufgabe am Deutschen Krebsforschungszentrum. Wir erforschen, wie Krebs entsteht, erfassen Krebsrisikofaktoren und suchen nach neuen Strategien, die verhindern, dass Menschen an Krebs erkranken. Wir entwickeln neue Methoden, mit denen Tumore präziser diagnostiziert und Krebspatient:innen erfolgreicher behandelt werden können. Jeder Beitrag zählt – ob in der Forschung, in der Administration oder der Infrastruktur. Das macht unsere tägliche Arbeit so bedeutungsvoll und spannend.
To start in early 2026, the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) is seeking for the partner site Freiburg of the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) an
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 site.
Research at the DKTK partner site Freiburg contributes significantly to closing the translational gap between basic and clinical cancer research, thereby developing new strategies for personalized oncology in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. DKTK conducts transformative translational cancer research, educates the next generation of translation-oriented researchers, and establishes strong pipelines towards clinical application and economic innovation. Further information can be found at: https://dktk.dkfz.de/en
Ihre Aufgaben:
We seek to appoint an independent junior research group leader with a strong background in translational cancer research to strengthen the scientific profile of the DKTK partner site Freiburg. Research activities should strongly align with at least one of the following focus areas:
- Cancer Immunity and Escape
- Radio-Theranostics and Imaging
- Translational Epigenetics and Genomics
Translational research at the DKTK partner site Freiburg (https://dktk.dkfz.de/en/sites/freiburg) is embedded in a vibrant biomedical campus environment and is aligned with the two newly established strategic pillars of the DKTK: Pillar 1 – Therapeutic Innovations and Pillar 2 – Diagnostic Innovations & Molecular Prevention. Research activities contribute to nationally and internationally visible consortia such as the Collaborative Research Center 1479 “Oncogene-driven immune escape”, the Priority Program 2177 “Radiomics” and Research Unit 5476 “Urothelial Carcinoma Epigenetics”, and aim to develop innovative diagnostic, imaging, and therapeutic strategies while addressing key cancer-related mechanisms such as immune evasion, therapy resistance, and tumor heterogeneity.
The DKFZ and the DKTK Freiburg partner site offer an outstanding research environment including access to cutting-edge technology platforms and core facilities, both locally and DKTK-wide. This includes facilities for genomics and epigenomics, proteomics, metabolomics, high-resolution imaging, single-cell analysis, histopathology, bioinformatics, and machine learning. Access to well-characterized patient cohorts, clinical trials infrastructure, and a wide range of preclinical cancer models is provided through local and national collaborative structures.
The successful candidate will be employed at the DKFZ in Heidelberg and physically based at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg, fostering close interactions with clinical departments and enabling translational research directly relevant to clinical challenges.
Ihr Profil:
- PhD in life or data sciences and/or MD in medicine
- Excellent postdoctoral achievements (3-6 years) in a research area that aligns with one of the three focus areas above
- Significant international research experience (typically >3 years)
- Proven expertise in translational cancer research, ideally bridging preclinical and clinical approaches
- Strong publication record and history of ambitious acquisition of competitive third-party funding, appropriate to career stage
- Leadership skills, diversity competency and commitment to mentoring junior scientists and students
- Vision for an innovative, internationally competitive research program
- Strong motivation to collaborate with other DKTK sites and within interdisciplinary networks
- Experience in managing interdisciplinary research projects
- Independent, proactive working style, with a strong sense of responsibility
- Willingness to engage in teaching and academic training activities is welcome
- Fluency in written and spoken English
Application process:
To apply for this position, please use the online application portal. Applications should include:
- CV
- Contact information of your current supervisor and three (international) senior scientist who are willing to provide letters of support
- List of publications
- 5-page research statement summarizing past research and outlining a 6-year research program
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to present their research and project vision for the DKTK partner site Freiburg and the DKTK network at a public recruitment symposium.
Unser Angebot:
- Hervorragende Rahmenbedingungen: modernste state-of-the-art Infrastruktur und Möglichkeit zum internationalen Austausch auf Spitzenniveau
- Vergütung nach TV-L inkl. betrieblicher Altersvorsorge und vermögenswirksamer Leistungen
- Attractive core funding for six years
- Zugang zu internationalen Forschungs-Netzwerken
- 30 Tage Urlaub
- Flexible Arbeitszeiten
- Möglichkeit zur mobilen Arbeit und Teilzeitarbeit
- Familienfreundliches Arbeitsumfeld
- Comprehensive further training program, options for mentoring and leadership programs
- Nachhaltig zur Arbeit: Vergünstigtes Deutschland-Jobticket
- Unser betriebliches Gesundheitsmanagement bietet ein ganzheitliches Angebot für Ihr Wohlbefinden
Sie sind interessiert?
Dr. Anja Hernández
Telefon: +49 (0)761/270-22810
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