Scientific Project Manager for Governance & Regulatory Processes

Reference number: 2025-0324

• Heidelberg
• Full-time
• German Human Genome-Phenome Archive (GHGA)

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.

Help shape the future of genomic research in Germany!

The German Cancer Research Center coordinates the German Human Genome-Phenome Archive (GHGA), a national research data infrastructure for human omics data connected to major initiatives such as the National Model Project Genome Sequencing/ genomDE, NAKO, and the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT). Internationally, GHGA represents Germany within the European Genome-phenome Archive (EGA) and the European Genomics Data Infrastructure (GDI). As part of the National Research Data Infrastructure (NFDI), GHGA develops services and processes that allow sensitive human omics data to be shared securely and efficiently for scientific discovery.

To strengthen the team of the GHGA office in Heidelberg, we are seeking for the next possible date a

  Join us in building the national infrastructure that will enable secure, FAIR, and responsible use of sensitive human genomic data for research. As Scientific Project Manager for Governance & Regulatory Processes, you will play a central role in coordinating GHGA’s scientific, legal, and technical activities. You will drive the development of governance structures, regulatory workflows, and compliance processes that ensure GDPR-compliant data access across Germany’s leading genomics initiatives.

Your Tasks

We are seeking a scientific project manager to support the GHGA office in coordinating GHGA’s multi-stakeholder activities, with a focus on governance, grant management, regulatory workflows, and legal processes related to data access and operation of the GHGA Archive.

Your responsibilities include:

• Supporting the scientific project management of GHGA, including grant and collaboration management and general administrative tasks
  
• Working with other consortia within the NFDI and contributing to grant writing and reporting activities
  
• Coordinating with data stewards, legal experts, ethics specialists, and technical teams to develop governance structures, SOPs, and regulatory documentation
  
• Assisting in the preparation, negotiation, and execution of legal agreements and GDPR-related documentation
  
• Organizing internal communication and events, including the planning and administration of scientific meetings and coordination calls
  
• Facilitating communication with national and international partners in both English and German

Your Profile

We welcome applicants with diverse academic and professional backgrounds that intersect with project management, data governance, research infrastructure, or regulatory processes.

Required or highly relevant qualifications include:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in natural sciences, data science, bioinformatics, computer science, public health, law/technology, or a related field; a PhD is an advantage but not required
  
• Demonstrated experience in science and project management, research administration, regulatory affairs and legal management, and data governance, ideally within an academic environment
  
• Experience with bioinformatics, research data management, or handling sensitive human or clinical data is strongly preferred
  
• Understanding of GDPR requirements, including data privacy, processing agreements, access governance, and compliance workflows; practical experience in implementing GDPR-compliant processes is a strong asset
  
• Proven project management skills; certifications such as PRINCE2, IPMA, or experience with agile methodologies are beneficial
  
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills in a multidisciplinary and international environment
• An independent, structured, and proactive working style with a strong motivation for continuous development
  
• Very good command of English (required) and German at B2 level or higher (preferred)
  
• High proficiency with Microsoft Office and commonly used project management or collaboration tools

Your Possibilities:

• Work with an interdisciplinary team of experts bringing state-of-the-art biomedical research closer to clinics and patients
  
• Work at the interface of science, management and administration
  
• Take part in international organizations such as the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH), the European Genome-phenome Archive (EGA) and ELIXIR shaping future of genomics across borders
  
• Widen your expertise with extensive possibilities of training programs, seminars and conferences

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: 09.01.2026

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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