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.
The Precision Sarcoma Research Group at the German Cancer Research Center and the National Center for Tumor Diseases Heidelberg (Head: Dr. Priya Chudasama) is seeking for the next possible date a
Scientist in Computational Biology
Reference number: 2025-0298
We are seeking a computational biologist to join the efforts of the consortium “DECIPHER-M: Deciphering Metastasis with Multimodal Artificial Intelligence Foundation Models”. This 5-year consortium is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) under “Major unanswered questions in cancer research” in the framework of the National Decade against Cancer.
DECIPHER-M consortium is a multi-institutional effort to transform the understanding and clinical management of metastasis by creating foundation models using routinely collected clinical data, including pathology images, radiology imaging, electronic health records, and multi-omics data. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of cancer biology, spatial multi-omics, and artificial intelligence.
More information:
Your Tasks
The successful candidate will join a highly interdisciplinary team of molecular biologists, pathologists, oncologists, radiologists, and data scientists to play a pivotal role in developing multi-modal data analysis and integration workflows, as well as downstream dissection of metastasis-associated multimodal signatures derived from the foundation models to gain new biological insights.
Key tasks include, but are not limited to
* Develop and implement computational pipelines for the analysis and integration of spatial multi-omics and other multimodal datasets Design and fine-tune machine learning and deep learning models to extract meaningful patterns and predict metastatic behavior Collaborate closely with experimentalists for mechanistic dissection of multimodal signatures to contribute to the identification of diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets Lead the collaborative initiative and communicate the findings in joint meetings, publications, and at international conferences Assist in the mentoring of team members taking on computational tasks
Your Profile
* Master's degree or equivalent in bioinformatics, computational biology, cancer biology, or similar
* Strong background in analyzing and integrating large-scale bulk multi-omics datasets; experience in single-cell and spatial-omics approaches will be considered an advantage
* Proficiency in programming languages such as R and Python, bash scripting, and deep learning frameworks
* Ability to acquire and process data from sequencing facilities or public resources, work with HPCs, run and adapt existing pipelines (in-house or nf-core) and develop new ones
* Proficiency in building and fine-tuning machine learning and deep learning models for biological data analysis
* Strong publication record, including lead authorships, with experience in collaborative research and supervision of students or interns
* Comprehensive knowledge of cancer biology and cancer genomics, maintained through rigorous literature review and applied to data interpretation and project advancement
* Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively, with high self-initiative, strong work ethic, and a team-oriented mindset
Applications must include a CV, cover letter, complete list of publications, references or recommendation letters, and expected availability date. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please apply exclusively via the application portal. For any questions, please send an email to priya.chudasama@nct-heidelberg.de.
We Offer
* Excellent framework conditions: state-of-the-art equipment and opportunities for international networking at the highest level
* 30 days of vacation per year
* Flexible working hours
* Remuneration according to TV-L incl. occupational pension plan and capital-forming payments pension scheme and capital-forming benefits
* Possibility of part-time work
* Family-friendly working environment
* Sustainable travel to work: subsidized Germany job ticket
* Unleash your full potential: targeted offers for your personal development to further develop your talents
* Our Corporate Health Management Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being
Contact:
Dr. Priya Chudasama
Phone:
The position is initially limited to 1 year with the possibility of prolongation.
Application Deadline: 20.12.2025
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