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.
Together with university partners at seven renowned partner sites, we have established the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK).
For the Division of Cancer Research at the DKTK partner site Freibur g, we are seeking for the next possible date a
Postdoctoral Fellow in Functional Cancer Genomics
Reference number: 2025-0294
The Division of Cancer Research at the University Medical Center Freiburg is focused on functional cancer genomics and especially the high-throughput characterization of mutations in cancer genes for their impact on tumorigenesis, signaling activation, and targeted therapy response (e.g., Nat Commun 2019, Nat Cell Biol 2020, Nat Commun 2024, Sci Adv 2025, Nat Genet 2025).
The method spectrum in our lab ranges from innovative techniques from molecular and cell biology like diverse CRISPR techniques (Nucleic Acids Res 2017, Hepatology 2018) or RNA-protein complex identification (Mol Cell 2019, Nat Commun 2024) to applications in bioinformatics and biochemistry. Our lab in Freiburg is newly equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation.
Your Tasks
We are seeking a highly motivated, ambitious postdoctoral fellow with significant and published experience in the area of molecular biology and/or cancer research, ideally in cancer genetics with experimental wet lab expertise and ideally experience in high-throughput approaches. The core project of the postdoctoral fellow will be the functional characterization and analysis of genetic alterations in cancer in high-throughput. Research questions will include the mutational impact at the cellular and molecular level and their mechanistic consequences. An innovative screen using saturation mutational scanning or CRISPR site-directed mutagenesis shall unravel their impact on human cells. Comprehensive resources as well as established protocols to build on are available. Jointly with the division head, new projects within the focus area of the lab can also be developed and supported to allow the growth into scientific maturity and independence.
Your Profile
You are a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow with a PhD / Dr. rer. nat. in a life science field and are eager to pursue and lead research projects in functional tumor genetics and the molecular biology of cancer, including high-throughput approaches and precision genome editing, with ambition, creativity, independence, and team spirit. You have published experience in techniques of cellular and molecular biology or cancer research. Practical knowledge of bioinformatics would be welcome. You work efficiently, goal-oriented, and accurate, have a deep interest in research, and are proficient in English in writing and speaking.
Please submit your application documents in one single PDF via the DKFZ job portal.
We Offer
* Excellent framework conditions: state-of-the-art equipment and opportunities for international networking at the highest level
* Remuneration according to TV-L incl. company pension scheme and capital-forming benefits
* 30 days of vacation per year
* Flexible working hours
* Possibility of part-time work
* Family-friendly working environment
* Sustainable travel to work: subsidized Germany job ticket
* Our Corporate Health Management Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being
* Develop your full potential: access to the DKFZ International Postdoc Program and DKFZ Career Service with targeted offers for your personal development to further develop your talents
Contact:
Prof. Dr. Sven Diederichs
Phone:
The position is initially limited to 3 years.
Application Deadline: 13.12.2025
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.
Share this job!
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