"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 strengthen the Research Division " Microbiome and Cancer ", we are seeking for the next possible date
Research Technicians
Reference number: 2025-0250
The impact of the intestinal microbiota on health and disease has become increasingly clear in the last decade, and microbial imbalances are considered highly relevant for a variety of diseases including autoimmunity, metabolic disorders and cancer.
The vast majority of cancers are not caused by germline mutations, but rather by acquired somatic mutations and environmental factors. The microbiome has emerged as one such environmental factor, shedding light on previously unexpected mechanistic connections between microbial colonization and neoplastic transformation. For instance, selected commensals can colonize solid tumors, and the 'tumor microbiome' can influence the local immune milieu essential for anti-tumor immunity or malignant transformation. The efficacy of anti-cancer treatment is also influenced by the intestinal microbiome and its metabolite, especially in the cancer treatment areas such as immune checkpoint blockade or CAR-T cell therapy.
The Research Division "Microbiome and Cancer", a bridging division between DKFZ Heidelberg and the Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel, headed by Professor Eran Elinav, studies the cross-talk between cancer cells, immune cells, microbial colonization, and other environmental factors. We investigate how individual bacteria, microbial consortia or microbial perturbations through diets or xenobiotics interplay with metabolic disruption and chronic inflammatory responses to impact carcinogenesis or metastasis in a variety of preclinical models. We also study the longitudinal cross-talk of cancer therapies with the gut microbiota in patients and in mouse models to investigate causal relations, e.g. by direct bacterium-host cell interactions or via microbial metabolites.
We use well-established, cutting-edge wet-lab techniques combined with bioinformatic tools to sequence and analyse the microbiota in diverse cancer-related contexts. We cover the whole range of microbiome analyses, from bacteria to fungi, both with high-resolution metagenome sequencing techniques. This approach is combined with multi-omics characterization of the host’s immune system on the level of individual cells by single-cell RNA sequencing and proteome or metabolome analyses. In order to transfer this knowledge back into the clinic for the benefit of patients, we perform precision medicine-based clinical studies with patient microbiota interventions using specific dietary modifications or microbiota transfers.
Your Tasks
We are looking for two qualified and motivated research technicians (BTA, MTA, Biologielaborant:in or similar) to support in vivo and in vitro experiments on several projects focused on the role of the microbiome in cancer development and progression. The candidates will be trained in and responsible for the generation and maintenance of next-generation patient-derived in vitro culture models, including organoids and isolated bacterial strains. The candidates will furthermore take care of research animals following standard operating procedures and according to animal welfare regulations. Additionally, the candidates will learn and apply a variety of laboratory techniques, such as DNA/RNA isolation and purification, protein extraction, genotyping by PCR, sample preparation for downstream analyses, and flow cytometry.
Tasks/responsibilities will include:
* Generation and maintenance of human tumor organoid lines
* Derivation of patient-specific bacterial strains
* Support of standard laboratory techniques, including DNA/RNA isolation and FACS
* Collecting, handling/processing, and storing of biological samples (e.g., patient feces, blood, tissue) according to standard protocols
* Regular monitoring of animal health and data recording (such as animal weight, behavior, vital signs, tumor growth)
* Performing basic procedures on animals (including weighing, oral gavaging, injections, dissection)
* Operating sensitive equipment to analyse samples or substances, conducting tests and reporting results
* Recording and analyzing data
The ideal candidates will have previous experience of working with in vivo animal models, and will be passionate about contributing to cutting edge translational research projects. After a thorough training by our scientific staff members, the candidate should be able to implement a variety of laboratory techniques using standard protocols.
Your Profile
Required:
* Education/training as lab technician or technical assistant (BTA, MTA, Biologielaborant) or comparable, e.g. an undergraduate (B.Sc.) degree in laboratory sciences, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, or a related field from an accredited university or technical school
* Strong organizational and time management skills
* Reliability and flexibility
* Structured, independent, and careful way of working
* Written and oral communication skills (English)
Advantageous:
* FELASA function A certificate (former FELASA B certificate)
* Proven working experience with animal models
* Hands-on working experience with cell-culture (maintaining cell lines, establishing primary cell cultures) and/or molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA isolation, PCR) would be an advantage
* Written and oral communication skills (German)
* We Offer
o Excellent framework conditions: state-of-the-art equipment and opportunities for international networking at the highest level
o 30 days of vacation per year
o Flexible working hours
o Remuneration according to TV-L incl. company pension scheme and capital-forming benefits
o Possibility of part-time work
o Family-friendly working environment
o Sustainable travel to work: subsidized Germany job ticket
o Unleash your full potential: targeted offers for your personal development promote your talents
o Our Corporate Health Management Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being
Contact:
Katrin Eike-Verfürth
Phone: +49 (0)6221/42-1911
The positions are initially limited until 31.01.2027. An extension is possible.
Application Deadline: 01.10.2025
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
DE