Strategic Officer

Reference number: 2026-0192

• Heidelberg
• Full-time
• Pediatric Neurooncology

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.

The Department Pediatric Neurooncology is looking, starting from 01.11.2026, for a

  The department led by Prof. Stefan Pfister at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and the Hopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ) combines international pediatric oncology research with data-driven precision oncology and the development of sustainable research infrastructures.
A key international initiative of the department is the ITCC PedCanPortal, a data and research platform developed in collaboration with leading European partners in pediatric oncology. The project aims to bring together a large, international multi-omics dataset comprising molecular and clinical data from more than 5,000 patients and to make these high-quality research data, along with analytical tools, accessible and sustainably available to the international research community. In doing so, the ITCC PedCanPortal aims to support the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for children and adolescents with cancer.
The Strategic Officer will work at the interface of science, strategy, international partnerships, and the sustainable development of the ITCC PedCanPortal, with a particular focus on establishing the organizational and financial structures required for its long-term sustainability.

Your Tasks

As Strategy Officer, you will be embedded within the central coordination structure of ITCC PedCanPortal and work closely with the project leadership, international consortium partners, patient representatives, advisory bodies, and external stakeholders.

Your primary responsibility will be to develop, coordinate, and implement a comprehensive long-term continuity and implementation strategy for ITCC PedCanPortal beyond its current funding period (e.g., via a non-profit spin-off). Sustainability planning will be treated as a continuous and evolving process, closely aligned with the scientific, technical, ethical, and operational development of the platform.

Key responsibilities:

Strategic development and sustainability planning

• Develop and continuously refine a long-term continuity and implementation strategy for ITCC PedCanPortal
• Design governance and operational models for the future operation and expansion of the platform
• Evaluate and develop sustainable funding and partnership models
• Support the onboarding of future programs, projects, and stakeholders into the ITCC PedCanPortal ecosystem

Stakeholder management and international coordination

• Coordinate continuity-related activities across a large international consortium
• Facilitate interactions with academic partners, patient representatives, external stakeholders, and industry collaborators
• Support strategic discussions within governance and advisory structures
• Build and maintain strong relationships across the international pediatric oncology community

Governance, reporting, and implementation

• Ensure alignment of continuity planning with scientific, ethical, legal, and operational requirements
• Prepare strategic reports, recommendations, and implementation concepts for project leadership and governance bodies
• Contribute to annual reporting, risk assessment, and long-term planning activities
• Support the translation of strategic concepts into operational implementation plans

Your Profile

We are looking for a highly organized and strategically minded individual who enjoys working at the intersection of science, innovation and international collaboration.

Essential:

• PhD or 5+ years experience in life sciences, medicine, public health, health economics, management, law or a related discipline.
• Experience in scientific program management, research strategy, innovation management, business development or international collaborative projects.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholder groups in complex international environments.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Desirable:

• Experience with large-scale research infrastructures, data platforms or precision medicine initiatives.
• Understanding of governance, continuity planning and funding strategies.
• Experience in public-private partnerships, translational research or health innovation.
• Familiarity with biomedical research, pediatric oncology, genomics or health data ecosystems.

What we offer:

• The opportunity to help shape one of the world's leading pediatric cancer data platforms.
• A highly international and interdisciplinary working environment.
• Close interaction with internationally renowned experts in pediatric oncology, genomics, data science, ethics and patient advocacy.
• A unique strategic role with significant visibility and impact.
• Excellent opportunities for professional and personal development.
• Flexible working arrangements within a dynamic research environment.

Join us in building the future of pediatric precision oncology and creating a sustainable international data infrastructure that will improve outcomes for children with cancer worldwide.

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.

Application Deadline: 25.09.2026

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.

Share this job!