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 DKTK partner site Frankfurt / Mainz, we are seeking for the next possible date a
Junior Research Group Leader "Translation of Next Generation Anti-Cancer Cellular Immunotherapies“
Reference number: 2025-0281
The DKFZ and the DKTK partner site Frankfurt/Mainz, especially the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology with its rich and outstanding expertise in cellular therapy, the Institute for Immunology, the Helmholtz Institute for Translational Oncology Mainz (HI-TRON Mainz) – a Helmholtz Institute of the German Cancer Research Center – the Institute for Transfusion Medicine, and the Institute for Molecular Biology (IMB) provide an outstanding, dynamic, and vibrant research environment focused on interdisciplinary team science and including access to numerous state-of-the-art technological platforms/core facilities, locally and DKTK-wide.
DKTK conducts transformative translational cancer research, educates the next generation of translation-oriented researchers, and establishes strong pipelines towards clinical application and economic innovation. Further information can be found at .
We seek to appoint an independent junior research group leader with a strong background in cellular immunotherapies to match the scientific profile of the DKTK partner site Frankfurt/Mainz () at the Mainz location. The group will be physically located at the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology at the UMC Mainz.
We expect from the candidate a fully translational research program that fosters the interdisciplinary development of next-generation gene-modified immune cellular products targeting malignant disease and/or the tumor microenvironment. The successful candidate is expected to get engaged in the lively scientific community on the campus and to integrate constructively into joint translational scientific efforts at the DKTK partner site and beyond. Direct links to groups and departments involved in cellular therapy research should be fostered, which in turn will offer ample opportunity to develop a unique scientific portfolio.
The candidate should have a strong focus on targeted immunotherapy and bring together a vast set of diverse scientific methodologies. The new junior research group, therefore, should reflect this engaging spirit and will foster the development of relevant translational approaches.
Your Profile
* PhD in life or data sciences and/or MD in medicine
* Excellent postdoctoral achievements (typically 3–6 years) in a research area that aligns with the focus area above
* Significant international research experience (typically >3 years)
* Proven expertise in translational cancer research, ideally bridging preclinical and clinical approaches
* Strong publication record and history of ambitious acquisition of competitive third-party funding, appropriate to career stage
* Leadership skills, diversity competency, and commitment to mentoring junior scientists and students
* Vision for an innovative, internationally competitive research program
* Strong motivation to collaborate with other DKTK sites and within interdisciplinary networks
* Experience in managing interdisciplinary research projects
* Independent, proactive working style, with a strong sense of responsibility
* Willingness to engage in teaching and academic training activities is welcome
* Fluency in written and spoken English
To apply for this position, your applications should include:
* CV
* List of publications
* Up to 5-page research statement summarizing current/past research accomplishments and outlining a 6-year research program
* Contact information of your current supervisor and two/three (international) senior scientist who are willing to provide letters of support
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to present their research and project vision for the DKTK partner site Frankfurt/Mainz and the DKTK network at a public recruitment symposium.
We Offer
* Excellent framework conditions: state-of-the-art equipment and opportunities for international networking at the highest level
* Attractive core funding for six years
* Administrative support for extramural grant application
* Administrative support for extramural grant applications (e.g., ERC, DFG, BMBF or Deutsche Krebshilfe)
* 30 days of vacation per year
* Flexible working hours
* Possibility of mobile work and part-time work
* Family-friendly working environment
* Comprehensive further training program, options for mentoring and leadership programs
* Sustainable travel to work: subsidized Germany job ticket
* Our Corporate Health Management Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being
Contact:
Prof. Dr. med. Matthias Theobald
Phone: 06131 177281
The position is limited to 6 years.
Application Deadline: 07.01.2026
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