"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.
The Division of Digital Prevention, Diagnostics and Therapy Guidance is seeking for the next possible date a
Data Scientist in AI-driven Skin Cancer Research
Reference number: 2025-0226
The main goal of the division is the development of robust and interpretable digital biomarkers to improve prevention, non-invasive early detection, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches. We are an interdisciplinary team of 30 people, mostly data scientists, doctors and molecular biologists.
Your Tasks
Help shape the future of personalized skin cancer diagnostics by developing AI-driven methods for image classification. We seek real-world impact, meaning the project is in collaboration with a large German company (HEINE Optotechnik), to help patients benefit from the developed solutions as fast as possible via a market-ready medical device.
Your tasks will include:
* Development of AI-driven models for skin cancer diagnostics and early detection, with a focus on robustness, explainability, and clinical applicability
* Designing and validating a digital dashboard for real-time risk stratification and clinical decision-making, ensuring accessibility for both clinicians and patients
* Collaborating with interdisciplinary experts, including dermatologists, AI researchers, statisticians, and computational biologists, to optimize data-driven diagnostic strategies
* Validating the developed models and infrastructure through pilot studies with data from 100 study participants, ensuring real-world applicability
* Publishing in top-tier scientific journals and contributing to clinical studies to validate the effectiveness of AI-assisted diagnostics
* Your Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who is passionate about AI in data research and eager to translate machine learning innovations into real-world clinical applications.
Required qualifications:
* Master’s degree (or equivalent) in data science, computer science, bioinformatics, biomedical engineering, or a related field
* Strong background in machine learning, deep learning, and data integration
* Experience in computer vision and medical image analysis is a plus
* Proficiency in Python and AI frameworks (TensorFlow/PyTorch)
* Interest or experience in bioinformatics, and large-scale data processing
* Excellent problem-solving and communication skills
* Fluent in English (German is not required but beneficial)
* You can look forward to
* Impactful Research: Work on a pioneering AI-driven prevention and diagnostics project that has the potential to revolutionize skin cancer care.
* Professional Development: Opportunities to attend international conferences, workshops, and specialized AI training programs.
* Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work alongside leading experts in dermatology, AI, and bioinformatics at one of Europe’s top cancer research institutions.
* How to apply
Please submit your CV, cover letter, and academic transcripts via our online portal. We look forward to your application.
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:
Dr. Titus Brinker
Phone:
The position is limited to 18 months.
Application Deadline: 11.09.2025
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.
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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