Applications for Helmholtz
Young Investigator Groups

(Ref-No. 2022-0017)

The German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ) is one of Europe’s leading cancer research centers and a member of the Helmholtz Association. With its more than 3,000 employees from some 80 countries, the DKFZ is the largest biomedical research institute in Germany. It operates an extensive scientific program in the field of cancer research with the mission to contribute significantly to decrease new cancer cases and cancer deaths through transformative research, education of the next generation of leaders, and transfer of results into the health system, society, and innovative products. To efficiently translate novel findings from basic science into the clinic, the DKFZ in partnership with leading University Medical Centers has established the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) in Heidelberg and Dresden as well as the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) at eight sites in Germany. The DKFZ and the German Cancer Aid have entered into a long-term strategic partnership to establish the National Cancer Prevention Center as a cutting edge piloting institution providing impactful contributions to reduce the burden of cancer.

The DKFZ offers a highly attractive research environment with a broad spectrum of opportunities for scientific collaboration. We provide excellent research conditions, options for mentoring and leadership programs, administrative support for extramural grant application (e.g. ERC), access to state-of-the-art core facilities, a family-friendly environment, and an international and collegial research atmosphere.

Requirements:
We are looking for excellent researchers with an outstanding scientific track record and research program to head an independent junior research group. The ideal candidates are expected to pursue highly innovative projects at the frontiers of cancer research in the wide portfolio of our research program (www.dkfz.de). The development of the National Cancer Prevention Center is of particular strategic importance, and we therefore invite candidates to apply in the area of cancer prevention research including public health, risk and evidence communication.
Eligible applicants are scientists (PhD, MD or MD-PhD degree) with more than 2 and fewer than 6 years of postdoctoral experience at the time of application (periods of parental leave, care leave or unavoidable downtimes will be taken into consideration according the eligibility criteria as defined in the current call of Helmholtz Young Investigator Groups). Times of clinical training or full-time employment in industry after the award of PhD can also be considered up to a maximum of four years. Applicants must have international research experience documented by a minimum of six months’ continuous research stay abroad, an outstanding scientific track record, and are expected to successfully raise extramural funding.

Application process:
To apply, please send a single PDF file containing a cover letter to the Chairman and Scientific Director Prof. Dr. Michael Baumann, including curriculum vitae, list of publications, summary of past research and future plans (max. 3 pages) as well as names and addresses of two to three references. Applications must be submitted by February 14th, 2022 via the online application portal (www.dkfz.de/jobs).

Short-listed candidates will be invited to a virtual selection symposium at DKFZ in March 2022 to present and discuss their research and future plans. In consultation with the DKFZ, successful candidates are expected to submit a proposal for a Helmholtz Young Investigator Group

(https://www.helmholtz.de/en/research/current-calls-for-applications/article/helmholtz-young-investigator-groups-call-2021/).

Important notice:
The DKFZ is subject to the regulations of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG). As a consequence, only persons who present proof of immunity against measles as well as against COVID-19 may work at the DKFZ.