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.
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 Helmholtz Institute HI-TRON is a collaboration of the German Cancer Research Center with the Research Institute for Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (TRON gGmbH), the University Medical Center Mainz and the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. Postdoc for the Division of Personalized Immunotherapies
The Division of Personalized Immunotherapy (headed by Prof. Project Summary:
This project aims to expand precursor/progenitor exhausted CD8⁺ T cells through enforced expression of specific transcription factors using targeted mRNA delivery technologies, with the vision of enhancing responsiveness to immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Engineer T cells using mRNA delivery platforms via lipid nanoparticles
Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team, present data internally and externally, and contribute to manuscripts and grant proposals
Maintain accurate laboratory documentation and adhere to biosafety and ethical standards
Mentor junior scientists
and PhD in immunology, cancer biology, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline
Proven expertise in T cell biology, including activation, exhaustion, or immunotherapy
Hands-on experience with primary immune cell culture and flow cytometry-based phenotyping
Experience with mouse models, including handling, injections, harvesting tissues, and processing tumor / immune samples
Experience with mRNA expression systems, gene delivery, or viral / non-viral engineering
Background in tumor models, checkpoint therapy, or T cell differentiation
Contact details of 2–3 referees
Excellent framework conditions: state-of-the-art equipment and opportunities for international networking at the highest level
~ 30 days of vacation per year
~ Possibility of part-time work
~ Sustainable travel to work: subsidized Germany job ticket
~ Our Corporate Health Management Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being
~ Develop your full potential: access to the DKFZ International Postdoc Program and DKFZ Career Service with targeted offers for your personal development to further develop your talents
We are convinced that an innovative research and working environment thrives on the diversity of its employees. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 .