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.
The German Cancer Research Center welcomes applications for a tenured position as
Division Head in “Nutrition in Cancer Prevention” (endowed by the Viessmann Foundation gGmbH)
Reference number: 2025-0290
The advertised position is strategically embedded in the expansion of the National Cancer Prevention Center (NCPC) – a forward-looking joint initiative of the DKFZ and the German Cancer Aid (Deutsche Krebshilfe). The NCPC is currently being established for the systematic strengthening of evidence-based cancer prevention in research, application, and transfer to society. Under one roof, multidisciplinary divisions from epidemiology, public health, molecular prevention, exercise, and nutrition will work closely together to develop innovative prevention measures, evaluate them scientifically, and disseminate them nationwide.
Job description:
The new division will play a central role in the NCPC and will be responsible among others for establishing the “Viessmann Laboratory (Werkstatt) for Sustainable Healthy Nutrition” – a platform for researching, developing, and implementing healthy and sustainable nutrition concepts in the context of cancer prevention. The position is based at the DKFZ and is integrated into the center's long-term strategy for cancer prevention, offering excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.
We are seeking an outstanding scientist with proven expertise in the fields of public health nutrition, nutritional epidemiology, behavioral medicine, preventive epidemiology, or related areas. The division head's professional focus should be on population-based research to promote healthy and sustainable nutrition in the context of cancer prevention.
Particular emphasis is placed on a translational and interdisciplinary research profile that encompasses the development, implementation, and evaluation of nutritional interventions as well as the scientific investigation of behavioral, social, and structural factors influencing nutritional and health behaviors. The successful candidate is expected to be able to conceptually lead and methodologically implement complex intervention trials or observational studies in various population groups, especially with children, adolescents, and vulnerable target groups.
The future division head will play a key role in promoting the impact and implementation of scientific findings in practice — for example, through collaboration with canteens, schools, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, political decision-makers, and media. The division will also make active contributions to social, political, and economic transfer, e.g., through evidence-based guidance, the development of multiplier programs, and innovation projects in collaboration with partners from industry and the media.
Requirements:
* A PhD, MD, or equivalent degree in life sciences
* High academic qualifications (habilitation) or equivalent academic qualifications
* An internationally recognized track record of excellence in cancer prevention and/or nutrition science
* Demonstrated leadership experience and success in securing competitive external funding
* A commitment to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative research environment, team science
* Evidence of effective and modern teaching and further education experience
* High level of academic commitment
We Offer
* A tenured position at the level of a DKFZ Division Head (W3 remuneration equivalent)
* Attractive core funding and access to cutting-edge research facilities and resources, as well as competitive internal funding opportunities of the DKFZ and the Helmholtz Association
* A highly supportive research environment at the DKFZ, the National Cancer Prevention Center (NCPC), the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) and the wider scientific community including Heidelberg University as well as opportunities for national and international networking at the highest level
* Campus with modern state-of-the-art infrastructure
* 30 days of vacation per year
* Family-friendly working environment, e.g. parent-child room and advisory services
* Sustainable travel to work: subsidized Germany job ticket
* Administrative support for extramural grant application
* Our Corporate Health Management Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being
Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit the following documents:
* A cover letter detailing their research vision and leadership experience
* A curriculum vitae, including a complete list of publications and external funding
* A concise research plan for the first 5 years, also including a summary of previous work, collaborations, and wider outlook (maximum 5 pages)
* Contact information for at least three academic referees
The position is permanent.
Contact:
Prof. Dr. med. Dr. h.c. Michael Baumann
Telefon: +49 6221 42-2850
Application Deadline: 31.12.2025
Applications by e-mail cannot be accepted.
Please also note that we cannot return applications submitted by post.
Are you interested?
Then become part of the DKFZ and join us in contributing to a life without cancer!
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.
Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum | Im Neuenheimer Feld 280 | 69120 Heidelberg |
Company
About the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)
The German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ) is Germany’s largest biomedical research institute and a member of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. Over 3,200 staff members from 88 nations are dedicated to performing and driving cutting edge research for a life without cancer. Organized in more than 100 divisions and research groups, the focus of our 1,400 scientists is to unravel the causes and mechanisms of cancer development and progression, and to develop novel strategies for the diagnosis, early detection, prevention and treatment of cancer though innovative translational research.
Scientists at the DKFZ have received the most prestigious academic awards, including Prof. Harald zur Hausen, awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2008 for his pioneering work on Human Papilloma Viruses (HPV),and Prof. Stefan Hell, who received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his research on super-resolution imaging.
The DKFZ core site is located in Heidelberg, the “ City of Science ”, which is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Germany with a highly international community: An estimated 56,000 of Heidelberg’s 160,000 inhabitants have an international background – many of whom are scientists or students.
Research Topics and Scientific Collaborations
The DKFZ is an international leader in a number of research areas including stem cell research, bioinformatics and systems biology, cancer genomics, neurooncology, pediatric oncology, cancer prevention, tumor immunology, virology, radiooncology and medical image analysis. The interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment at the DKFZ also results in excellent opportunities for computational and data scientists with interest in biomedical applications.
Research at the DKFZ is organized into six research programs :
On the mission for a life without cancer, the DKFZ collaborates with renowned clinical and research institutions at the local, national and international level. A key goal is to continuously strengthen translational research activities with the aim of sustainably advancing state-of-the-art clinical cancer research in Germany and thereby improving the treatment outcomes and quality of life of cancer patients. Together with University Hospital partners across Germany, the DKFZ established the National Centers for Tumor Diseases (NCT) as leading Comprehensive Cancer Centers in Germany, as well as the Hopp Childrens’ Tumor Center (KiTZ) in Heidelberg with a specific focus on pediatric oncology. Within the German Cancer Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), research institutions and university hospitals at eight partner locations collaborate with the DKFZ, the core center of the DKTK, to speed up the transfer of successful cancer research into clinical practice. Furthermore, the HI-TRON in Mainz is a cooperative effort to make full use of the potential of individualized immunotherapy.
Training Programs and Career Development
Talent management and career development are central parts of DKFZ’s mission to maintain scientific excellence. The DKFZ places strong emphasis on the international recruitment and comprehensive training of excellent scientists, specifically welcoming diverse and international backgrounds.
Dedicated programs train young scientists and clinicians and prepare them for their next career step:
The DKFZ has developed programs to support the reconciliation of family and careers at all levels and international employees are supported by the International Staff Services in the planning, preparation and realization of their stay in Heidelberg.
Innovation Management
The DKFZ builds on strong Innovation Management to foster the development of innovative preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic products for maximum societal benefit. It facilitates technology transfer through licensing and support of spin-off companies. Recent examples include iOmx Therapeutics, Apogenix and mtm laboratories. The DKFZ also has strong collaborations with industry partners, such as Bayer Healthcare, Bosch, SAP and Siemens .
Company info
Telephone
+49 (0) 6221 420
Location
Im Neuenheimer Feld 280
Heidelberg
Baden-Württemberg
D-69120
Germany