Independent Junior Research Group Leader In “Translational Cancer Research”

Reference number: 2025-0189

Freiburg
Full-time
DKTK partner site Freiburg

“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.

To start in early 2026, the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) is seeking for the partner site Freiburg of the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) an

The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) is Germany's largest biomedical research institute and a leading center for cancer research. With over 3,400 employees, five research focus areas, and a wide network of regional locations, the DKFZ has a long history of groundbreaking discoveries in all fields of cancer biology and across biosciences.

Together with selected University partner sites, the DKFZ has established the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK). The alliance between the DKFZ as the core center and the university partner sites in Berlin, Dresden, Essen/Düsseldorf, Frankfurt/Mainz, Freiburg, Heidelberg, Munich and Tübingen establishes joint translation centers at the University Medical Centers of each site.

Research at the DKTK partner site Freiburg contributes significantly to closing the translational gap between basic and clinical cancer research, thereby developing new strategies for personalized oncology in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. 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

YOUR TASKS

We seek to appoint an independent junior research group leader with a strong background in translational cancer research to strengthen the scientific profile of the DKTK partner site Freiburg. Research activities should strongly align with at least one of the following focus areas:

• Cancer Immunity and Escape
• Radio-Theranostics and Imaging
• Translational Epigenetics and Genomics

Translational research at the DKTK partner site Freiburg (https://dktk.dkfz.de/en/sites/freiburg) is embedded in a vibrant biomedical campus environment and is aligned with the two newly established strategic pillars of the DKTK: Pillar 1 – Therapeutic Innovations and Pillar 2 – Diagnostic Innovations & Molecular Prevention. Research activities contribute to nationally and internationally visible consortia such as the Collaborative Research Center 1479 “Oncogene-driven immune escape”, the Priority Program 2177 “Radiomics” and Research Unit 5476 “Urothelial Carcinoma Epigenetics”, and aim to develop innovative diagnostic, imaging, and therapeutic strategies while addressing key cancer-related mechanisms such as immune evasion, therapy resistance, and tumor heterogeneity.

The DKFZ and the DKTK Freiburg partner site offer an outstanding research environment including access to cutting-edge technology platforms and core facilities, both locally and DKTK-wide. This includes facilities for genomics and epigenomics, proteomics, metabolomics, high-resolution imaging, single-cell analysis, histopathology, bioinformatics, and machine learning. Access to well-characterized patient cohorts, clinical trials infrastructure, and a wide range of preclinical cancer models is provided through local and national collaborative structures.

The successful candidate will be employed at the DKFZ in Heidelberg and physically based at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg, fostering close interactions with clinical departments and enabling translational research directly relevant to clinical challenges.

YOUR PROFILE

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

APPLICATION PROCESS:

To apply for this position, please use the online application portal. Applications should include:

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

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to present their research and project vision for the DKTK partner site Freiburg and the DKTK network at a public recruitment symposium.

WE OFFER

ARE YOU INTERESTED?

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