Head of an independent Junior Research Group (Tenure-Track)

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 following position is available at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg: Head of an independent Junior Research Group (Tenure-Track).

Reference number: 2026-0080

We are looking for a creative, ambitious, and collaborative early-career researcher to establish an independent junior research group (dkfz.de/en/research) to pursue cutting-edge questions in any of our research topics: Cell and Tumor Biology; Functional and Structural Genomics; Epidemiology, Public Health, Prevention and Survivorship; Immunology, Infection & Cancer; and Imaging and Radiology. Participation in cross-cutting programs focused on biomedical engineering and technology development, cancer prevention, digital oncology, and translational approaches is also welcomed.

The position is intended for researchers in the so-called “qualification phase”, i.e. advanced postdoctoral researchers transitioning to research independence. It is aimed at applicants who have sufficient experience to lead a research group independently but are still in the early stages of their career. The successful applicant will have an outstanding postdoctoral track record and a strong background in tumor biology and/or preclinical cancer research and will be well positioned to establish full independence within our world-leading research landscape.

The DKFZ and the greater Heidelberg biomedical campus offer an excellent, dynamic, and supportive research landscape with cutting-edge technology platforms and state-of-the-art scientific core facilities (dkfz.de/en/forschung/core-facilities), as well as academic training programs within the DKFZ Cancer Research Academy (dkfz.de/en/career/cancer-research-academy).