Natural scientist as Group Leader (m/f/d)

Head of an independent Junior Research Group in Translational Gynecologic Cancer Research

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Job Description

We are looking for a creative, ambitious, and collaborative early‑career researcher to establish an independent junior research group in translational gynecologic cancer research, focusing on early detection, diagnosis, therapy, or prevention of ovarian and/or endometrial cancer and other gynecologic malignancies.

The successful candidate’s laboratory will be placed within the DKFZ based on our research topics: Cell and Tumor Biology; Functional and Structural Genomics; Epidemiology, Public Health, Prevention and Survivorship; Immunology, Infection & Cancer; and Imaging and Radiology. Participation in cross‑cutting programs focused on biomedical engineering and technology development, cancer prevention, digital oncology, and translational approaches is also welcomed.

The junior research group will closely collaborate with the Departments of Gynecology at the University Hospitals Heidelberg and Mannheim, providing access to clinical expertise, patient biomaterial, and clinical data for collaborative translational research projects. A newly established Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Program at the Heidelberg University Women’s Hospital will be available to support the candidate. Close collaboration with the divisions and research groups of the DKFZ and its research networks, including the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), the DKFZ Hector Cancer Institute at University Medicine Mannheim, and the National Cancer Prevention Center (NCPC), is strongly encouraged.

The position is intended for researchers in the so‑called “qualification phase”, i.e. advanced postdoctoral researchers transitioning to research independence. It is aimed at applicants who have sufficient experience to lead a research group independently but are still in the early stages of their career. The successful applicant will have an outstanding postdoctoral track record and a strong background in tumor biology and/or preclinical and translational cancer research and will be well positioned to establish full independence within our world‑leading research landscape.

The DKFZ and the greater Heidelberg biomedical campus offer an excellent, dynamic, and supportive research landscape with cutting‑edge technology platforms and state‑of‑the‑art scientific core facilities. There are academic training programs within the DKFZ Cancer Research Academy.

Living And Working In Heidelberg

Heidelberg offers a highly international, bilingual, and scientifically vibrant environment with an excellent quality of life. One of Europe’s leading life science hubs, Heidelberg has a dense network of internationally renowned research institutions. The city is widely recognized for its safety, historic character, and proximity to the Odenwald mountains, as well as for its strong academics. Heidelberg has extensive cultural offerings and multiple international schools for researchers and their families.

Your Profile

• Doctoral degree (e.g., Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent) in natural sciences, medical sciences, medicine, computational sciences, epidemiology/public health, or another discipline relevant to cancer research.
• Excellent postdoctoral research experience corresponding to an academic age of typically 3‑6 years after completion of the doctoral degree.
• Significant international research experience (typically >3 years).
• Outstanding scientific achievements demonstrated by a strong publication record and professional accomplishments.
• Strong track record in the management and coordination of interdisciplinary research projects.
• Proven success in the acquisition of third‑party funding.
• Demonstrated ability to independently build, lead, mentor, and manage a diverse and interdisciplinary research team.
• Strong motivation to initiate collaborations and actively contribute to the surrounding research community and to advance translational cancer research.
• Fluency in spoken and written English and ability to work in an international research environment.

Applicants must provide a motivation letter, a CV, a list of publications, an up to five‑page research synopsis summarizing current and past research accomplishments and outlining the candidate’s research program for the next six years, as well as contact information for their current supervisor and between 2‑4 international, senior, high‑profile referees.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to present their research at a Scientific Symposium to be held in October 2026.

What We Offer

• Attractive core funding for six years.
• Remuneration according to TV‑L, including social benefits such as an occupational pension plan.
• A highly supportive research environment at the DKFZ and the wider scientific community, including faculty at Heidelberg University, EMBL, and local Max Planck Institutes, as well as opportunities for national and international networking.
• A welcoming and collaborative international community of researchers supporting scientific excellence and career development.
• Campus with modern, state‑of‑the‑art infrastructure, including access to large clinical datasets and sample collections, support for preclinical model systems, and access to a dedicated high‑performance computing cluster.
• Administrative support for extramural grant applications (e.g., ERC).
• 30 days of vacation per year.
• Flexible working hours and a family‑friendly environment (e.g., parent‑child room, advisory services for caring for elderly relatives).
• Sustainable commuting options, including a subsidized public transportation ticket.
• Comprehensive professional development opportunities, including training, mentoring, leadership programs, and occupational health management.