Full Professorship (W3) for "Children, Adolescents and Young Adults (CAYA) Cancer Survivorship Research" (endowed by the Dietmar Hopp Foundation)
Reference number: 2025-0135
- Heidelberg
- Full-time
- Cancer Risk Factors and Prevention research program
“Research for a life without cancer" is our mission at the German Cancer Research Center. We investigate how cancer develops, identify cancer risk factors and look for new cancer prevention strategies. We develop new methods with which tumors can be diagnosed more precisely and cancer patients can be treated more successfully. Every contribution counts – whether in research, administration or infrastructure. This is what makes our daily work so meaningful and exciting.
In cooperation with the Medical Faculty Heidelberg of Heidelberg University, the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) is seeking to fill the following position:
The field of pediatric cancer survivorship research represents an important new strategic focus of biomedical research at the DKFZ and the Medical Faculty Heidelberg of Heidelberg University. Made possible by the generous support of the Dietmar Hopp Foundation, the professorship at the DKFZ, embedded in the Cancer Risk Factors and Prevention research program, will be established as a bridge between the National Cancer Prevention Center (NCPC) and the Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ) Heidelberg. The W3 professorship comes along with a division head position at the DKFZ and will pursue evidence-based research questions on late effects and long-term side effects and, together with partners, develop a viable national concept for the long-term follow-up care of young cancer survivors. At the same time, in coordination with the clinically responsible partners at Heidelberg University Hospital, a nationally effective contact point for those affected is to be established at the KiTZ and NCPC. The aim is to develop a sustainable concept for the long-term observation and care of patients throughout Germany. The contact point is to be connected to a patient registry for Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) in Heidelberg in order to enable longitudinal follow-up and cross-sectional cooperation between the clinic and research.
The professorship will work closely with the KiTZ, the NCPC, the DKFZ Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medicine Mannheim (in particular the W3 professorship for Cancer Survivorship and Psychological Resilience) and the Heidelberg University Hospital (e.g. human genetics, medical oncology, neuro-oncology, radio-oncology, psycho-oncology, surgical disciplines) and will cover various research areas, such as the epidemiological investigations of treatment-related side effects and influencing parameters, design and implementation of register and cohort studies on long-term and late effects of cancer therapies, integration of epidemiological data with potential biomarkers, as well as research into interventions and rehabilitation strategies.
The future position holder is an internationally recognized scientist with many years of extensive experience in the field of epidemiological cancer survivorship research in children, adolescents and young adults (CAYA) who have survived cancer at a young age. The candidate should have many years of experience in leading large consortia and actively participate in the existing research networks at the site and create the conditions for the establishment of new consortia. Expertise in the development and implementation of aftercare plans and strategies for CAYA long-term survivors as well as international experience and a robust international network in survivorship research with established/renowned pediatric cancer researchers and pediatric oncologists are required. The candidate is expected to lead an original and internationally competitive research program that incorporates strategies to improve relevant infrastructure for CAYA cancer survivors, as evidenced by a significant number of high-ranking publications and success in attracting external funding in the area of CAYA cancer survivorship research.
Direct access to patients who have survived cancer at a young age is guaranteed via the KiTZ, the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital, the DKFZ Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medicine Mannheim and the NCPC, which is currently being established in a partnership between the DKFZ and German Cancer Aid. In addition to the Cancer Information Service (KID) operated by the DKFZ with national coverage and more than 10 million users per year, the candidate will also have access to the research networks of the DKFZ and the NCPC, such as the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), the NCT, the network of Comprehensive Cancer Centers of German Cancer Aid and other research alliances at national and international level.
Prerequisites for application are a completed university degree, a qualifying doctorate (MD and/or PhD in life sciences) and other recruitment requirements specified in § 47 (2) of the Baden-Württemberg State Higher Education Act (LHG). The joint appointment follows the “Jülicher Modell”, where the successful candidate will be appointed as a full and life-time professor at Heidelberg University and granted a leave of absence to the DKFZ, which will conclude a private law employment contract with the candidate. Upon fulfillment of the general requirements under civil service law and budgetary law, the appointment to the professorship will normally be made on the basis of a lifetime civil servant status (Beamtenverhältnis auf Lebenszeit).
The position at the level of a DKFZ Division Head is endowed with an attractive core funding package including personnel, consumables and investments. In addition, access is given to intramural competitive funding programs of the DKFZ and the Helmholtz Association.
Applications must be submitted by June 06, 2025, including curriculum vitae, copies of certificates and degrees, list of publications, a research concept, and a list of teaching experience to Prof. Dr. Michael Boutros, Dean of the Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University via the application management of the Medical Faculty Heidelberg (https://berufungsportal.medizinische-fakultaet-hd.uni-heidelberg.de) as well as to Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. Michael Baumann, Scientific Director and Chair of the Management Board, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) through the DKFZ online application tool (www.dkfz.de/jobs). We ask for your understanding that application documents submitted by mail will not be returned.
WE OFFER:
- A highly supportive research environment at the DKFZ, the National Cancer Prevention Center (NCPC) and the wider scientific community including Heidelberg University as well as opportunities for national and international networking at the highest level
- Campus with modern state-of-the-art infrastructure
- Compensation according to German W3 score
- 30 days of vacation per year
- Possibility of mobile work and part-time work
- Family-friendly working environment, e.g. parent-child room and advisory services
- Sustainable travel to work: subsidized Germany job ticket
- Administrative support for extramural grant application
- Our Corporate Health Management Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being
Are you interested?
Then become part of the DKFZ and join us in contributing to a life without cancer!
Prof. Dr. med. Dr. h.c. Michael Baumann
Telefon: +49 (0)6221/42-2850
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.
