Junior Research Group Leader "Translation of Next Generation Anti-Cancer Cellular Immunotherapies“

Kennziffer: 2025-0281

  • Mainz
  • Full-time
  • DKTK partner site Frankfurt/Mainz - Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology at the UMC Mainz

The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) is one of Europe’s largest cancer research centers. “Research for a life without cancer" is the mission of our world-class scientists and all our team members.

The DKFZ is a place where the brightest minds pursue bold ideas and seek answers to pioneering scientific questions through collaboration, innovation, and exploration across many disciplines. We provide a dynamic environment which empowers excellence with state-of-the-art technologies, cutting edge infrastructure, and a global scientific network. 

Contribute your knowledge, vision, and dedication to create a space where scientific discovery in cancer research is transformed into benefits for human health.


Together with university partners at seven renowned partner sites, we have established the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK).

For the DKTK partner site Frankfurt / Mainz, we are seeking for the next possible date a

The DKFZ and the DKTK partner site Frankfurt/Mainz, especially the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology with its rich and outstanding expertise in cellular therapy, the Institute for Immunology, the Helmholtz-Institute for Translational Oncology Mainz (HI-TRON Mainz), a Helmholtz-Institute of the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), the Institute for Transfusion Medicine, and the Institute for Molecular Biology (IMB) 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.

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.

We seek to appoint an independent junior research group leader with a strong background in cellular immunotherapies to match the scientific profile of the DKTK partner site Frankfurt/Mainz (https://dktk.dkfz.de/en/sites/frankfurt-mainz) at the Mainz location. The group will be physically located at the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology at the UMC Mainz.

We expect from the candidate a fully translational research program that fosters the interdisciplinary development of next-generation gene-modified immune cellular products targeting malignant disease and/or the tumor microenvironment. The successful candidate is expected to get engaged in the lively scientific community on the campus and to integrate constructively into joint translational scientific efforts at the DKTK partner site and beyond. Direct links to groups and departments involved in cellular therapy research should be fostered, which in turn will offer ample opportunity to develop a unique scientific portfolio.

The candidate should have a strong focus on targeted immunotherapy and bring together a vast set of diverse scientific methodologies. The new junior research group, therefore, should reflect this engaging spirit and will foster the development of relevant translational approaches.


Your profile

  • PhD in life or data sciences and/or MD in medicine
  • Excellent postdoctoral achievements (typically 3-6 years) in a research area that aligns with the focus area 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


To apply for this position, your applications should include:

  • CV
  • List of publications
  • Up to 5-page research statement summarizing current/past research accomplishments and outlining a 6-year research program
  • Contact information of your current supervisor and two/three (international) senior scientist who are willing to provide letters of support

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to present their research and project vision for the DKTK partner site Frankfurt/Mainz 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
  • Attractive core funding for six years
  • Administrative support for extramural grant application
  • Vergütung nach TV-L inkl. betrieblicher Altersvorsorge und vermögenswirksamer Leistungen
  • 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?

Dann werden auch Sie Teil des DKFZ und tragen gemeinsam mit uns zu einem Leben ohne Krebs bei!
Ihre Ansprechperson:
Prof. Dr. med. Matthias Theobald
Telefon: 06131 177281
Befristung: Die Stelle ist auf 6 Jahre befristet.
Bewerbungsschluss: 07.01.2026


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Hinweis: Wir unterliegen den Vorschriften des Infektionsschutzgesetzes (IfSG). Deshalb müssen alle unsere Beschäftigten einen Immunitätsnachweis gegen Masern vorlegen.
 
 

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