Postdoc Position in Preclinical Development of Bicyclic Peptides for Nuclear Medicine

German Cancer Research Center in the Helmholtz Association (DKFZ); Heidelberg; Hybrid; EUR 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

TV-L pay

30 days vacation

Flexible hours

Mobile work

Family-friendly environment

Job ticket

Job summary

DKFZ Freiburg is offering a postdoc position in Preclinical Development of bicyclic peptides for nuclear medicine. You will collaborate with Bicycle Therapeutics on preclinical characterization for PET and radionuclide therapy, synthesizing conjugates and guiding translation from lab to clinic.

The role requires strong background in biochemistry/peptide chemistry, experience with analytical methods, and excellent English communication within an interdisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Master's degree and PhD in biochemistry, chemistry or pharmacy or equivalent.
• Experience in peptide chemistry and related analytical methods.
• Experience in biological assays and in vivo experiments would be advantageous.
• Good communication skills in English.
• Motivation to work in an interdisciplinary team.
• Interest in application-oriented / translational research.

Responsibilities

• Conduct preclinical characterization of bicyclic peptides for clinical translation.
• Elaborate scientific data and communicate results with the collaboration partner.
• Coordinate with DKFZ/Bicycle Therapeutics on radiopharmaceuticals for PET and radionuclide therapy.

Skills

Peptide chemistry

Biochemical assays

In vivo experiments

English communication

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Translational research

Education

Master's degree in biochemistry/chemistry/pharmacy

PhD in biochemistry/chemistry/pharmacy

Tools

Solid-phase synthesis

Bioconjugation chemistry

Radiolabeling with isotopes

In vitro/in vivo evaluation

Job description

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 selected university partner sites, the DKFZ has established the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK). The alliance between the DKFZ as the core center and the university partner sites in Berlin, Dresden, Essen/Düsseldorf, Frankfurt/Mainz, Freiburg, Heidelberg, Munich, and Tübingen operates joint translation centers at the University Medical Centers of each of the selected partner sites. The DKTK contributes significantly to filling the translational gap between basic and clinical cancer research, thereby developing new strategies for personalized oncology in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. DKTK conducts transformative translational cancer research, educates the next generation of translation‑oriented medical and clinical scientists and establishes strong pipelines towards clinical cancer research and the economy.

At the DKTK partner site Freiburg, we are offering, starting at the earliest date possible, a

Postdoc Position in Preclinical Development of Bicyclic Peptides for Nuclear Medicine

Reference number: 2026-0214

The Division of Radiopharmaceutical Development at DKTK Freiburg focuses on the development and clinical translation of novel radiopharmaceuticals for molecular imaging and targeted radionuclide therapy. A key emphasis is on radiotheranostics, from the identification of new targets and tumor‑targeting compounds to preclinical evaluation and first‑in‑human translation.

The position is located at the University Medical Center Freiburg, Department of Nuclear Medicine (www.uniklinik-freiburg.de/nuklearmedizin/radiopharmakaentwicklung).

Your Tasks

The position is part of a long‑term collaboration with the company Bicycle Therapeutics and covers the preclinical characterization of novel bicyclic peptides for clinical translation. This established and successful research platform includes the identification and evaluation of novel radiopharmaceuticals for positron emission tomography (PET) and radionuclide therapy. The relationship between DKFZ and Bicycle Therapeutics has expanded to include a more continuous and purpose‑driven commitment towards advancing candidates towards the clinic. The current project aims at the preclinical development and clinical translation of novel radiolabeled, tumor‑targeting bicyclic peptide conjugates for diagnostic and therapeutic application in nuclear medicine. The bicyclic peptide conjugates are synthesized by solid phase synthesis and modified by bioconjugation chemistry. Finally, the conjugates are labeled with several clinically relevant radioisotopes for in vitro and in vivo evaluation. Your task is to elaborate the scientific data within this work plan and to communicate the results with our collaboration partner.

Your Profile

• Master's degree and PhD in biochemistry, chemistry or pharmacy or equivalent
• Experience in peptide chemistry and related analytical methods
• Experience in biological assays and in vivo experiments would be advantageous
• Good communication skills in English
• Motivation to work in an interdisciplinary team
• Interest in application-oriented / translational research

We Offer

• Excellent framework conditions: state‑of‑the‑art equipment and opportunities for international networking at the highest level
• Remuneration according to TV-L incl. occupational pension plan and capital‑forming payments
• 30 days of vacation per year
• Flexible working hours
• Possibility of mobile work and part‑time work
• Family‑friendly working environment
• 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

Contact

Prof. Dr. Matthias Eder

Phone: [phone]

Application Deadline: November 05, 2026

The position is initially limited to 2 years with the possibility of prolongation.

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.

Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum | Im Neuenheimer Feld 280 | 69120 Heidelberg | www.dkfz.de