“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.
Starting in October 2025, the Division "Systems Biology of Signal Transduction" is seeking a
Graduate Student in Proteomics and BMP Signal Transduction
Reference number: 2025-0213
The Division "Systems Biology of Signal Transduction" headed by Prof. Dr. Ursula Klingmüller integrates advanced experimental methods with mechanistic mathematical modeling to decipher how cells respond to signals in health and disease. Understanding the fine-tuned regulation of signaling pathways is essential to uncovering disease mechanisms and identifying novel therapeutic targets, particularly in cancer and chronic liver disease.
As part of the DFG-funded FerrOs consortium, we aim to unravel the complex, organism-wide regulation of systemic iron homeostasis and its effects on bone health, using a systems biology approach. In this interdisciplinary effort, we combine mass spectrometry-based proteomics with dynamic pathway modeling to define the role of BMP signaling and iron-regulatory mechanisms in both physiological and pathological contexts.
Your Tasks
* Investigate BMP receptor complex composition and iron-induced signal transduction in hepatocytes and hepatocellular carcinoma cells
* Develop and apply quantitative mass spectrometry methods (global and targeted) for plasma, cell, and tissue samples to map iron-regulatory pathways
* Integrate proteomics datasets with mechanistic mathematical models to explore regulatory dynamics of hepcidin expression and systemic iron control
* Utilize phosphoproteomics workflows to uncover iron-dependent changes in signaling networks, with a focus on liver-bone communication
* Collaborate closely with computational biologists, modelers, and clinicians to advance integrative models and identify sex-specific disease mechanisms
* Contribute to publications and presentation of the results at scientific meetings
* Your Profile
* Master's degree in biochemistry, systems biology or a related life science discipline
* Expertise in cell biology, signal transduction and iron metabolism (knowledge in hepatology is of advantage)
* Expertise in mass spectrometry-based proteomics (including sample preparation, acquisition, and data interpretation)
* Experience in handling complex omics datasets, and in applying statistical and computational tools (R, Python) for data analysis are of advantage
* Familiarity with mathematical modeling in systems biology and pathway-level data integration is advantageous
* Excellent teamwork and communication skills with proficiency in English and motivation to work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment
* A strong scientific track record demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals
* We Offer
o Excellent framework conditions: State-of-the-Art equipment and opportunities for international networking at the highest level
o Access to international research networks
o Doctoral salary with the usual social benefits
o 30 days of vacation per year
o Flexible working hours
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 training and mentoring through the DKFZ International PhD Program and DKFZ Career Service
o Our Corporate Health Management Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being
Contact:
Prof. Dr. Ursula Klingmüller
Phone :
The position is limited to 3 years with the possibility of prolongation.
Application Deadline: 12.09.2025
Are you interested?
Then become part of the DKFZ and join us in contributing to a life without cancer!
Applications by e-mail cannot be accepted.
Please also note that we cannot return applications submitted by post.
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