“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 German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ) in Heidelberg is Germany’s largest biomedical research institution. Within the thriving biomedical research hub of the Rhine-Neckar region, the DKFZ is contributing to the " Health + Life Science Alliance Heidelberg Mannheim "promoting research and innovation through synergy by bridging world-leading life science and biomedical research institutions and by bringing together a highly diverse range of disciplines and a cluster of top researchers. Heidelberg University with its faculties of Medicine, Biosciences, and Engineering Sciences, the University Hospital Heidelberg and the University Hospital Mannheim, the German Cancer Research Center, the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, and the Central Institute for Mental Health have the common goal to develop the Rhine-Neckar region into a world-leading innovation cluster by supporting cutting-edge research and promoting transfer of knowledge into new diagnostics and therapeutics.
Within the Alliance, we are building the “Health + Life Science Alliance Data Space”as an inter-institutional data space to facilitate data sharing, joint data analyses, and seamless integration with existing projects and data ecosystems with the ultimate aim to enable research in medicine in life sciences. Our platform will empower researchers to collaborate across institutions, utilizing cloud and on-premise computing and storage resources to drive scientific innovation.
To strengthen our team, we are seeking for the next possible date a
Cloud Engineer for the “Health + Life Science Alliance Data Space”
Reference number: 2025-0228
Role Overview:
Dedicated to the continuous improvement of human health, we are seeking a cloud engineer to join our newly formed team tasked with designing and implementing the core system for this data space. The system will be primarily built on AWS, with on-premise compute and storage options to be added later. As a cloud engineer, you will play a key role in developing a scalable, secure, and efficient cloud infrastructure that supports research projects across institutions.
Key Responsibilities:
* Design, implement, and maintain a scalable cloud infrastructure on AWS to support project management, research data sharing, and computing
* Develop Infrastructure as Code (IaC) solutions using tools like Terraform or AWS CloudFormation
* Implement containerized compute environments using Kubernetes (EKS) or Docker-based orchestration
* Enable hybrid cloud solutions, integrating AWS with on-premise compute and storage resources
* Design and optimize data storage solutions using AWS S3 and integrate on-premise S3-compatible storage options
* Ensure compliance with security, privacy, and regulatory requirements for handling sensitive research data
* Collaborate with web developers and other engineers to integrate cloud services with the data space management system
* Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and implement optimizations for reliability and cost efficiency
* Maintain high-quality code with proper documentation, testing, and version control (Git)
* Develop and maintain documentation, CI/CD pipelines, and automation scripts
* Your Profile
Required Qualifications:
* Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience
* Strong experience with AWS services, including but not limited to EC2, S3, Lambda, IAM, VPC, and RDS
* Hands-on experience with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, CloudFormation, or similar)
* Experience with containerization and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes, AWS EKS, or similar)
* Knowledge of cloud networking, security best practices, and identity management
* Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, automation tools (e.g., GitHub Actions, Jenkins), and monitoring solutions
* Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment
* A strong background in industry standard DevOps tasks and processes
Preferred Qualifications:
* Experience with hybrid cloud environments and integrating on-premise resources with cloud services
* Understanding of data governance, compliance, and security frameworks (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.)
* Proficiency in Python, Go, or Bash scripting for automation
* Previous experience in academic research environments or health/life sciences data infrastructure
* 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 mobile work and 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. Jan Eufinger
Telefon:
The position is initially limited to 2 years, with the possibility of prolongation.
Application Deadline: 13.09.2025
Applications by e-mail cannot be accepted.
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