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 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. The Division of Intelligent Medical Systems is seeking for the next possible date a
Scientific Solution Architect
2026-0118HeidelbergFull-timeIntelligent Medical Systems
The Division of Intelligent Medical Systems (IMSY) is an interdisciplinary research division working at the interface of computer science, physics, and medicine. Our mission is to address the unique methodological and translational challenges of medical imaging AI to enable robust, clinically meaningful applications, with a particular focus on surgical AI. IMSY is highly international and strongly embedded in large collaborative research consortia, meta-research initiatives, and community-driven projects.Project Description:
Medical imaging AI is advancing rapidly, however, research effort is often shaped by data availability rather than clinical need. MEDAL (Medical Imaging AGI's Last Exam - ) is an international initiative funded by the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung that aims to change this by building a globally relevant benchmark grounded in real clinical priorities. Through a large-scale crowdsourcing campaign, clinicians, and researchers worldwide will contribute challenging clinical questions and medical imaging data. An international, multidisciplinary expert panel will curate the benchmark to ensure clinical relevance, diversity, and rigor.
We are looking for a Scientific Solution Architect to design and build the technical foundations of the MEDAL platform. This is a technically demanding role with real architectural ownership: you will shape how clinical data flows into the project, how it is stored and protected, and how AI models are evaluated against the benchmark, and you will be hands-on in implementing these systems alongside a software developer.You will work closely with researchers, clinicians, legal and ethics experts, and a dedicated software developer.
Conceptualizing secure workflows for international submission of sensitive medical imaging dataDefining architectural concepts for the benchmarking and evaluation platform, including controlled and secure execution of externally submitted modelsTranslating scientific, regulatory, and ethical requirements into practical technical concepts, including security and compliance requirementsMaking and documenting architectural decisions and technical trade-offsDesigning concepts for access control, data storage, and security mechanismsActing as a technical interface between research teams, software developers, legal experts, and external infrastructure providersSystem implementation in close collaboration with a dedicated software engineer and contributions to technical development where appropriate
A university degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related fieldHands-on software development experience, including academic positions or PhD workExperience in software, platform, or systems architecture, or in a comparable technical roleStrong programming skills and comfort working across the stackA solid understanding of secure systems design and data protection principlesAbility to communicate technical concepts clearly to interdisciplinary and non-technical stakeholdersA structured and solution-oriented working styleExcellent English communication skills, written and verbal
Desirable qualifications (optional):Experience with cybersecurity or compliance frameworksFamiliarity with cloud or hybrid infrastructures, data ingestion and storage systems, modular or service-oriented architectures, or isolated execution environmentsExperience with AI/ML systemsExperience with medical imaging or other sensitive data
A central role in a high-visibility international research project (including high-impact publications)Full architectural ownership from day one: you will be building the platform from scratch, not maintaining or extending a legacy systemAn interdisciplinary team of researchers, clinicians, and engineers who work closely together and take each other's expertise seriouslyTraining and professional development in areas where you want to grow (including security, cloud infrastructure, AI systems, and working with medical data)State-of-the-art computational resourcesFlexible working hours, hybrid work options, and part-time arrangements and a family-supportive environment (including a parent-child room and subsidised childcare places)
Please submit your application, including the following documents, via our online application tool:a motivation letteryour curriculum vitaerelevant academic transcriptsideally two references (letters or contact details)
Excellent framework conditions: state-of-the-art equipment and opportunities for international networking at the highest level30 days of vacation per yearFlexible working hoursRemuneration according to TV-L incl. occupational pension plan and capital-forming paymentsPossibility of mobile work and part-time workFamily-friendly working environmentSustainable travel to work: subsidized Germany job ticketUnleash your full potential: targeted offers for your personal development to further develop your talentsOur Corporate Health Management Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being
Apply nowWe are convinced that an innovative research and working environment thrives on the diversity of its employees.