LOOKING FOR AN EXCELLENT RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT TO MAKE YOUR NEXT CAREER STEP?
Apply to one of our prestigious DKFZ POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS!
The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg invites highly motivated scientists interested in cancer research to apply for a DKFZ Postdoctoral Fellowship. As Germany’s largest biomedical research institute with more than 100 research divisions, DKFZ offers exciting opportunities for postdocs in basic, computational, epidemiological, prevention and translational cancer research. Located on the biomedical campus of Heidelberg University, in close vicinity to other top research institutions, DKFZ provides an interdisciplinary working environment that builds on scientific exchange and excellence.
The DKFZ Postdoctoral Fellowships represent the most prestigious and competitive Postdoc recruitment process at the DKFZ. This year, up to seven fellowships are available. The fellowship is offered in the form of a TV-L E13 contract for a duration of 2 years.
Requirements to apply:
* A qualification equivalent to a PhD is a prerequisite for all applications (PhD degree officially granted by January 2026, PhD thesis submission latest by November 2025).
* Candidates should document their successful previous research endeavours with publications.
* The fellowship is not open to DKFZ internal candidates, unless they have been recruited to the DKFZ within the last 6 months before the application deadline.
* Application:
Please submit your complete application (in English) as one PDF file containing the following documents by clicking on the link below. (Please note: Only applications submitted through our application portal will be valid.)
* One-page motivation letter (include your research goals in the medium and long-term).
* Names of the groups that you would like to interview with (make sure to check out the offered projects in the research profile section of our website ).
* Curriculum vitae
* Publication list
* Copy of degree certificates (originals, transcripts and translations, if applicable)
* Two letters of recommendation
Please find further information and eligibility criteria on
Application deadline: September 15, 2025
Contact:
Dr. Mariana Schulte-Sasse
Phone
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.
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