Junior Research Group Leader "Translation of Next Generation Anti-Cancer Cellular Immunotherapies“

German Cancer Research Center in the Helmholtz Association (DKFZ); Deutschland; Vor Ort; EUR 60.000 - 80.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading cancer research institution in Germany seeks a Junior Research Group Leader to focus on the translation of next-generation anti-cancer cellular immunotherapies. The successful candidate will have a PhD or MD with significant international research experience. This role offers an excellent environment for collaboration and innovation with full administrative support for grant applications. Candidates should be committed to mentoring junior scientists and possess strong leadership skills, with a robust publication record. Join us in advancing cancer research!

Leistungen

30 days of vacation per year

Flexible working hours

Family-friendly working environment

Comprehensive further training program

Qualifikationen

• Proven expertise in translational cancer research, ideally bridging preclinical and clinical approaches.
• Strong publication record and history of ambitious acquisition of competitive third-party funding, appropriate to career stage.
• Independent, proactive working style, with a strong sense of responsibility.

Aufgaben

• Lead a research group focusing on next-generation gene-modified immune cellular products.
• Engage in the scientific community and integrate into translational efforts at the DKTK partner site.
• Develop a unique scientific portfolio and foster interdisciplinary development.

Kenntnisse

Leadership skills

International research experience

Fluency in English

Collaboration in interdisciplinary networks

Ausbildung

PhD in life or data sciences and/or MD in medicine

Jobbeschreibung

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.

Together with university partners at seven renowned partner sites, we have established the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK).

For the DKTK partner site Frankfurt / Mainz, we are seeking the next possible appointment date for a

Junior Research Group Leader "Translation of Next Generation Anti‑Cancer Cellular Immunotherapies"

Reference number: 2025-0281

The DKFZ and the DKTK partner site Frankfurt/Mainz, especially the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology with its rich and outstanding expertise in cellular therapy, the Institute for Immunology, the Helmholtz Institute for Translational Oncology Mainz (HI‑TRON Mainz) – a Helmholtz Institute of the German Cancer Research Center – the Institute for Transfusion Medicine, and the Institute for Molecular Biology (IMB) provide an outstanding, dynamic, and vibrant research environment focused on interdisciplinary team science and including access to numerous state‑of‑the‑art technological platforms/core facilities, locally and DKTK‑wide.

DKTK conducts transformative translational cancer research, educates the next generation of translation‑oriented researchers, and establishes strong pipelines towards clinical application and economic innovation. Further information can be found at https://dktk.dkfz.de/en.

We seek to appoint an independent junior research group leader with a strong background in cellular immunotherapies to match the scientific profile of the DKTK partner site Frankfurt/Mainz (https://dktk.dkfz.de/en/sites/frankfurt-mainz) at the Mainz location. The group will be physically located at the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology at the UMC Mainz.

We expect from the candidate a fully translational research program that fosters the interdisciplinary development of next‑generation gene‑modified immune cellular products targeting malignant disease and/or the tumor microenvironment. The successful candidate is expected to engage in the lively scientific community on campus and to integrate constructively into joint translational scientific efforts at the DKTK partner site and beyond. Direct links to groups and departments involved in cellular therapy research should be fostered, which in turn will offer ample opportunity to develop a unique scientific portfolio.

The candidate should have a strong focus on targeted immunotherapy and bring together a vast set of diverse scientific methodologies. The new junior research group, therefore, should reflect this engaging spirit and will foster the development of relevant translational approaches.

Your Profile

• PhD in life or data sciences and/or MD in medicine
• Excellent postdoctoral achievements (typically 3–6 years) in a research area that aligns with the focus area above
• Significant international research experience (typically >3 years)
• Proven expertise in translational cancer research, ideally bridging preclinical and clinical approaches
• Strong publication record and history of ambitious acquisition of competitive third‑party funding, appropriate to career stage
• Leadership skills, diversity competency, and commitment to mentoring junior scientists and students
• Vision for an innovative, internationally competitive research program
• Strong motivation to collaborate with other DKTK sites and within interdisciplinary networks
• Experience in managing interdisciplinary research projects
• Independent, proactive working style, with a strong sense of responsibility
• Willingness to engage in teaching and academic training activities is welcome
• Fluency in written and spoken English

To apply for this position, your applications should include:

• CV
• List of publications
• Up to 5‑page research statement summarizing current/past research accomplishments and outlining a 6‑year research program
• Contact information of your current supervisor and two/three (international) senior scientists who are willing to provide letters of support

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to present their research and project vision for the DKTK partner site Frankfurt/Mainz and the DKTK network at a public recruitment symposium.

We Offer

• Excellent framework conditions: state‑of‑the‑art equipment and opportunities for international networking at the highest level
• Attractive core funding for six years
• Administrative support for extramural grant application
• Administrative support for extramural grant applications (e.g., ERC, DFG, BMBF or Deutsche Krebshilfe)
• 30 days of vacation per year
• Flexible working hours
• Possibility of mobile work and part‑time work
• Family‑friendly working environment
• Comprehensive further training program, options for mentoring and leadership programs
• Sustainable travel to work: subsidised Germany job ticket
• Our Corporate Health Management Program offers a holistic approach to your well‑being

Contact

Prof. Dr. med.Matthias Theobald
Phone: [phone]

The position is limited to 6 years.

Application Deadline

07.01.2026

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!

Apply now

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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