Junior Group Leader in “Cancer Systems Biology”

Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum DKFZ

  • München
  • Veröffentlicht am: 30. Januar 2025
Jobbeschreibung

„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.

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 establishes joint translation centers at the University Medical Centers of each of the 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. Further information can be found at www.dktk.org.

The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) is seeking for the DKTK partner site Munich from May 2025 a Junior Group Leader in “Cancer Systems Biology”.

Reference number: 2025-0010

Under the leadership of Prof. Martin Sos, head of the Division of Translational Oncology at the DKTK partner site Munich, we are seeking to appoint a junior group leader to expand our efforts in the field of functional and computational cancer biology. The scientific interest should match with the profile of the DKTK partner site Munich and the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU Munich) with a focus on lung cancer and the evolution of drug resistance to support and further develop the translational cancer research portfolio.

The DKTK partner site Munich and the DKFZ provide access to first-class, state-of-the-art core facilities in Munich and Heidelberg. Translational research activities are supported by access to large patient cohorts, high quality tumor tissue banks and excellent clinical research facilities. The junior group leader will be employed at the DKFZ in Heidelberg, whereas the junior group will be physically located in Munich, embedded in the Division of Translational Oncology (headed by Prof. Martin Sos; DKTK/LMU; Max-Lebsche-Platz, Munich).


We are open to applicants coming from other fields of solid tumor research, with the precondition to align their strategy complementary to the Division of Translational Oncology. Competitive applicants are expected to establish innovative analytical pipelines for high-dimensional transcriptomic, epigenomic and proteomic data and to test their findings in functional models including genetically defined mouse models. The group will be situated in a preclinical translational area with an emphasis on reverse translation and the development of novel treatments. The group is expected to cooperate with clinician scientists and help to shape the design of future clinical trials.


  • M.Sc. (biology, molecular biology, computational biology or similar)
  • Ph.D. and/or M.D. degree in medicine or life sciences
  • Excellent postdoctoral experience (max. up to 6 years) in a research area that matches the DKTK partner site Munich profile (https://dktk.dkfz.de/en/sites/munich)
  • Deep understanding of functional and computational cancer biology
  • Record of accomplishments (publications and third-party funding) that highlights the applicant`s vision for future functional and computational cancer biology projects
  • Expectation to acquire competitive national and international third-party funding
  • Vision for an internationally competitive innovative research program
  • Strong motivation to interact/collaborate cross-disciplinary and across sites with research groups within the DKFZ and DKTK
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Excellent command of written and oral English

Applications of medical scientists as well as clinician scientists are welcome. Applications should include a CV, list of publications and a 2-page research synopsis that summarizes current/past research accomplishments and outlines the candidate´s research program for the next 6 years. Applications should include contact details of at least two referees.

The position is limited to 6 years. An extension beyond the 6-year period is not possible. The position does not include a tenure option.


  • Excellent framework conditions: state-of-the-art equipment and oppor­tunities for inter­national networking at the highest level
  • Basic endowment of the junior group for up to six years
  • 30 days of vacation per year
  • Flexible working hours
  • Remuneration according to TV-L incl. occupational pension plan and capital-forming payments
  • Possibility of mobile work and 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
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