Staff Scientist as Parental Leave Replacement

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

30 days vacation

Flexible hours

TV-L pension plan

Part-time option

Family-friendly environment

Job ticket

Job summary

The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) is seeking a research scientist to cover a parental leave in the Single-cell Open Lab (scOpenLab) in Heidelberg. The role combines user support with hands-on experimental work and technology development at the forefront of single-cell and spatial omics.

You will design projects, train users, and help optimize multimodal workflows while contributing to cutting-edge cancer research and collaborative projects within the lab and network.

Qualifications

• University degree in life sciences (MSc); PhD preferred.
• Experience with NGS techniques, library preparation, tissue handling, and imaging.
• Knowledge of data analysis is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plan and design spatially resolved transcriptome and proteomics projects with users.
• Train new users for spatial and single-cell omics assays.
• Optimize and integrate new methods in the lab with a focus on multimodal approaches.
• Organize and drive early access programmes.
• Schedule and maintain service infrastructure for image‑based spatial transcriptomics.

Skills

NGS techniques

library preparation

tissue handling

imaging

data analysis

communication & organization

Education

MSc in life sciences

PhD preferred

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.

We investigate how cancer develops, identify cancer risk factors and search for new cancer prevention strategies. We develop new methods with which tumors can be diagnosed more precisely and cancer patients can be treated more successfully. Every contribution counts - whether in research, administration or infrastructure. This is what makes our daily work so meaningful and exciting.

The Single-cell Open Lab at the German Cancer Research Center is seeking, starting in January 2027, a

The Single-cell Open Lab (scOpenLab) provides state-of-the-art infrastructure and scientific expertise for single-cell sequencing and spatial omics. Our goal is to enable researchers to perform advanced experiments independently: we advise users on experimental design, provide hands‑on training, and support them throughout project optimization, experimental implementation, and library preparation.

Our technology portfolio covers a broad range of single-cell and multi-omic approaches, including single-cell RNA, DNA, and chromatin profiling, as well as spatial transcriptomics and spatial proteomics. Beyond providing access to established technologies, method development is an important part of our work. We continuously evaluate, adapt, and establish emerging single-cell and spatial technologies and develop customized experimental workflows. Examples include HIPSDR‑seq for joint single-cell DNA and RNA profiling and the implementation of new spatial omics approaches. The scOpenLab is also closely involved in MultiSpace, the platform for spatial omics within the Health + Life Science Alliance Heidelberg Mannheim. Through MultiSpace, we collaborate with other technology platforms and research groups to enable multimodal spatial profiling and the integration of spatial transcriptomic, proteomic, and other molecular readouts.

Your Tasks

We are looking for a research scientist to cover a period of parental leave and join our interdisciplinary team. The position combines user support and training with hands‑on experimental work and technology development, offering the opportunity to work at the forefront of rapidly evolving single-cell and spatial omics technologies with the following tasks:

• Planning and designing spatially resolved transcriptome and proteomics projects with our users
• Training of new users for spatial and single-cell omics assays
• Optimization and integration of new methods in the lab with a focus on multimodal approaches
• Organizing and driving early access programmes
• Scheduling and maintenance of service infrastructure for image‑based spatial transcriptomics

Your Profile

• University degree in life science (MSc), additional PhD preferred
• Experience and very good knowledge of NGS techniques, library preparation, tissue handling, and imaging (skills in data analysis are a plus)
• Previous work in the single‑cell field is certainly an advantage
• Very good knowledge of English and German
• Self‑motivation and innovative thinking will be required for the successful implementation of your work. This also includes excellent communication and organizational skills.

We Offer

• Excellent framework conditions: state‑of‑the‑art equipment and opportunities for international networking at the highest level
• 30 days of vacation per year
• Flexible working hours
• Remuneration according to TV‑L incl. occupational pension plan and capital‑forming payments
• Possibility of part‑time work
• Family‑friendly working environment
• Sustainable travel to work: subsidized Germany job ticket
• Unleash your full potential: targeted offers for your personal development to further develop your talents
• Our Corporate Health Management Program offers a holistic approach to your well‑being

Contact:

Dr. Jan-Philipp Mallm
Phone: [phone]

Duration: The position is initially limited until 31.12.2027. An extension is possible.

Application Deadline: October 22, 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.