Scientific Grants Advisor

Reference number: 2026-0044

• Heidelberg
• Full-time
• Grants Office

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.

We investigate how cancer develops, identify cancer risk factors and search 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.

To strengthen the team at the Grants Office of the DKFZ, we are seeking as of May 2026 a

  The Grants Office advises and supports DKFZ scientists in acquiring funding from national and international funding organizations for projects in the field of cancer research. With this position, the Grants Office is expanding the "Scientific Grants Advisors and EU Strategy Group" to better support DKFZ scientists with their grant applications, especially for transfer-oriented grants.

Your Tasks

• 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

Your Profile

• PhD degree in a relevant discipline in natural or life sciences, ideally with postdoctoral experience and/or company experience
• Proven experience and knowledge of German and international research funding programs, especially for valorization grants such as EIC grants, BMFTR Go-Bio and similar
• Experience in the acquisition of third-party funded research projects
• Interest in supporting researchers to exploit their scientific results via funding programs 
• Service-minded work ethos, capacity to work in an intercultural setting
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, ability to work effectively in a team and independently
• Ability to work proactively, creatively, and goal-oriented approach
• Experience in deadline-oriented work
• Ability to prepare and communicate complex content to specific target groups
• Strong organizational, time-management, and structured thinking skills
• Excellent knowledge of MS Office
• Fluent spoken and written German and English essential

We Offer

Are you interested?

 Then become part of the DKFZ and join us in contributing to a life without cancer!

 ​Duration: The position is initially limited to 2 years with the possibility of prolongation.

Application Deadline: 02.04.2026

Applications by e-mail cannot be accepted.

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

 

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.

Notice: We are subject to the regulations of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG). Therefore, all our employees must provide proof of immunity against measles.

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