Job Description
„Research for a life without cancer“ is our mission at the German Cancer Research Center. We investigate how cancer develops, identify cancer risk factors and look 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 Division of Scientific Board is seeking as soon as possible a Division Head (W3) in Pediatric Cancer Drug Discovery.
Reference number: 2025-0078
The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) welcomes applications for a tenured position as Division Head in Pediatric Cancer Drug Discovery. This position offers a unique opportunity to lead a pioneering research program aimed at developing innovative therapies for childhood cancers, which present distinct biological challenges and limited commercial incentives due to small patient populations and thus market sizes. Academic drug discovery thereby is key to address this unmet medical need and advance treatment options for children with cancer.
The DKFZ division will be embedded within the Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ, https://www.kitz-heidelberg.de/en/), the leading pediatric oncology research center in Germany that integrates cutting-edge basic, translational, and clinical research and will be part of one of the DKFZ's research programs.
The new division will conduct cutting-edge, translational drug discovery research, with potential focus areas including:
- Functional and preclinical validation of targets associated with pediatric cancers including targets that are currently considered undruggable (e.g. fusion oncoproteins that are commonly driving pediatric cancers)
- Development and implementation of the drug discovery strategy most suitable for the target(s) concerned, involving the development of small molecule inhibitors (incl. PROTACs & glue-like degraders) or antibodies and including potential delivery needs (e.g. CNS penetration).
- Utilization of AI-driven methods and advanced predictive models for target identification, drug discovery, response prediction, and leveraging computational tools and large-scale omics and structural data to prioritize and optimize therapeutic candidates.
- Screening campaigns based on computational in silico predictions and hit- and lead optimization programs for pediatric cancers
- Lead and develop a research program focused on pediatric cancer drug discovery, with a strong emphasis on translational applications.
- Secure competitive external funding and develop high-impact, multidisciplinary research projects.
- Foster collaborations with academic, clinical, and industry partners within DKFZ, KiTZ, DKTK, and NCT.
- Supervise and mentor a diverse team of scientists, including postdoctoral fellows and graduate students from different disciplines.
The successful candidate will benefit from access to the state-of-the-art infrastructure of the DKFZ, including core facilities and research platforms as well as our non-for-profit spin-off pediatric drug testing platform supporting drug discovery research as well as a co-affiliation with Heidelberg University and Heidelberg University Hospital, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. The division will be associated with the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and with the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), which have wide expertise in drug discovery, drug development, and translational research. Access to pediatric oncology, genomics, drug testing and modeling experts at KiTZ across all major entities, will foster creating a very collaborative and dynamic research environment. Furthermore, translational pipelines including IIT development and coordination within the KiTZ are existing and accessible . An existing bioinformatics group will be embedded within the new division, providing computational expertise and support for AI-based drug discovery efforts.
- A PhD, MD, or equivalent degree in life science such as medicinal chemistry, pharmacology or translational cancer research.
- An internationally recognized track record of excellence in drug discovery (academia, biotech and/or industry) or related fields.
- Demonstrated leadership experience and success in securing competitive external funding or successfully working in biotech or industry.
- A commitment to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative research environment.
- Evidence of effective and modern teaching and further education experience.
- The applicant is expected to have high academic qualifications (habilitation) or equivalent qualifications.
You can look forward to:
- A tenured position at the level of a DKFZ Division Head (W3 remuneration equivalent).
- A later public advertisement for applications for a W3 professorship in this field as part of a joint appointment with a university can be discussed in due time.
- Attractive core funding and access to cutting-edge research facilities and resources as well as competitive internal funding opportunities of the DKFZ and the Helmholtz Association.
- Integration into DKFZ's and KiTZ's vibrant research community, with extensive opportunities for translational and clinical collaborations.
Why Join Us?
Pediatric cancers are biologically distinct from adult cancers, requiring innovative therapeutic strategies. Given the small market size and limited commercial incentives, academic-driven research is essential to develop effective treatments. At KiTZ and DKFZ, you will work alongside world-renowned experts in clinical, preclinical, and fundamental scientific research, contributing to a dynamic and collaborative environment. Your work will be instrumental in uniting diverse scientific disciplines to advance pediatric cancer treatment through groundbreaking discoveries, translational research and clinical trials.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit the following documents:
- A cover letter detailing their research vision and leadership experience.
- A curriculum vitae, including a complete list of publications and external funding.
- A concise research plan for the first 5 years also including a summary of previous work, collaborations and wider outlook (maximum 5 pages).
- Contact information for at least three academic (or industry/biotech) referees.
Join us at DKFZ and KiTZ to drive innovation in pediatric cancer drug discovery and make a lasting impact on children's lives.
- A highly supportive research environment at the DKFZ, the National Cancer Prevention Center (NCPC) and the wider scientific community including Heidelberg University as well as opportunities for national and international networking at the highest level
- Campus with modern state-of-the-art infrastructure and core facilities
- Compensation according to German W3 score equivalent
- 30 days of vacation per year
- Possibility of mobile work and part-time work
- Family-friendly working environment
- Sustainable travel to work: subsidized Germany job ticket
- Administrative support for extramural grant application
- Our Corporate Health Management Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being