Postdoctoral Researcher - Computational & Translational Analysis of Pulmonary Nodules

Institute of Translational Cancer Research and Experimental Cancer Therapy, TUM; Heidelberg; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remuneration according to TV-L

30 days vacation

Flexible working hours

Part-time option

Family-friendly environment

Germany job ticket subsidy

Corporate health management

Job summary

The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) seeks a postdoctoral researcher to join an interdisciplinary program focusing on early lung cancer detection and biomarker discovery. You will lead integrative analyses across spatial transcriptomics, genomic alterations, and imaging data, in close collaboration with clinicians and researchers.

Applicants should hold a Master’s and PhD in related fields, with strong R/Python skills, and a passion for translational biology and patient-centered research

Qualifications

• Master's degree and PhD in computational biology, bioinformatics, systems biology, biomedical data science, cancer biology, or a related field.
• Strong experience in omics data analysis and translational research.
• Proficiency with R and/or Python and reproducible data workflows.

Responsibilities

• Lead unbiased computational integration of spatial transcriptomics, genomic alterations, histopathology, clinical data, and radiomics.
• Perform unsupervised clustering and discovery without predefined labels.
• Interpret molecular states of pulmonary nodules for translational insights.
• Contribute to validation strategies and publish high-impact interdisciplinary papers.
• Collaborate with clinicians, pathologists, imaging scientists, and technologists.

Skills

Spatial transcriptomics

Unsupervised learning

Data integration

Biomarker discovery

Strong communication

Education

Master's degree and PhD in computational biology or related field

Tools

R

Python

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.

The Division of Computational and Molecular Prevention (headed by Prof. Dr. Filimon Goncalves) is seeking, starting at the earliest possible date, a

The Division of Computational and Molecular Prevention of the DKFZ, in collaboration with the Translational Molecular Imaging in Oncologic Therapy Monitoring Unit, invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to join an interdisciplinary research program within the PRELUNG study, focusing on early lung cancer detection and biological characterization of pulmonary nodules. The position combines cutting-edge multimodal data analysis with patient-centered translational research, including a novel co-design initiative on the return of molecular and imaging data to study participants.

Project Background: Pulmonary nodules from hundreds of patients are being collected and biopsied as part of a prospective imaging study. Up to 40 FFPE biopsy samples will be analyzed using spatial transcriptomics and mutREAD DNA sequencing, enabling integrative analysis of spatial gene expression, tissue architecture, and genomic alterations at early stages of lung carcinogenesis. The postdoctoral researcher will play a central integrative role, leading unbiased computational analyses, biological interpretation, and biomarker discovery in close collaboration with clinicians, pathologists, and technology experts across multiple research groups.

Your Tasks

Scientific & Computational Responsibilities

• Lead unbiased, data-driven integration of:
  • Spatial transcriptomics data
  • Genomic alteration profiles (copy number alterations, SNVs)
  • Histopathological diagnoses and clinical metadata
  • Radiomic features (in collaboration with imaging specialists)
• Perform unsupervised clustering and pattern discovery without predefined diagnostic labels
• Interpret molecular and microenvironmental states of benign, premalignant, and malignant pulmonary nodules
• Identify and prioritize biomarkers for:
  • Liquid biopsy development
  • PET tracer target discovery
• Contribute to validation strategies (e.g. immunohistochemistry) in collaboration with pathologists
• Lead the preparation of high-impact, interdisciplinary publications

Translational & Collaborative Responsibilities

• Act as a scientific integrator across multiple collaborating research groups
• Communicate effectively with clinicians, pathologists, imaging scientists, and molecular technologists
• Maintain reproducible and well-documented analysis workflows

Patient Engagement & Return-of-Data Work Package

• Actively participate in a participant-driven co-design process to develop a framework for returning molecular and imaging data to study participants
• Contribute scientific content to patient workshops and plain-language communication materials
• Co-facilitate workshops together with ethicists, communication experts, and institutional partners
• Help synthesize participant feedback into structured outputs, including:
  • A return-of-data blueprint
  • Prototype participant reports
  • An evaluated framework for future implementation

Your Profile

• Master's degree and PhD in computational biology, bioinformatics, systems biology, biomedical data science, cancer biology, or a related field
• Strong experience in omics data analysis, ideally including single-cell or spatial transcriptomics
• Proficiency in R and/or Python and modern data-analysis workflows
• Experience with unsupervised learning, clustering, and integrative analysis
• Ability to translate computational findings into meaningful biological and translational insights
• Strong interest in early cancer detection and biomarker discovery

Given the dual scientific and participatory nature of the project, exceptional interpersonal skills are a core requirement. The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Excellent communication skills across diverse audiences (patients, clinicians, computational scientists)
• Empathy, active listening, and comfort engaging with non-expert stakeholders
• Ability to discuss uncertainty and non-actionable findings responsibly
• Confidence contributing to group facilitation without reliance on hierarchical authority
• A collaborative, inclusive, and respectful working style

Applicants are encouraged to highlight concrete evidence of these skills (e.g. patient-facing research, public engagement, teaching, facilitation, or interdisciplinary leadership).

You can look forward to

• A highly interdisciplinary, collaborative research environment at one of Europe's leading cancer research centers
• Access to state-of-the-art spatial and genomic technologies
• Close interaction with clinicians, pathologists, and technology developers
• Opportunity to lead high-impact publications
• Active involvement in innovative patient-centered research initiatives

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 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

Duration

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

Application Deadline

October 23, 2026

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.

Contact:

Emiliana Funaro

Phone: [phone]