Clinician Scientist as leader of the Junior Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU) "Intelligent Systems in Oncological Urosurgery"

(Ref-No. 2022-0219)

Our mission is to unravel the causes and mechanisms underlying cancer development and progression and, based on innovative research, develop novel strategies for the diagnosis, early detection, prevention and treatment of cancer. Located on the biomedical campus in Heidelberg, the DKFZ is embedded in a highly attractive scientific environment offering a broad spectrum of opportunities for collaborations. Moreover, we provide excellent research conditions, an international and collegial research environment and access to state-of-the-art core facilities. The University Medical Center Mannheim stands for quality-assured, university-based maximum care and is one of the largest medical institutions and research centers in the region. With the Mannheim Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University and the Mannheim University Medical Center, two strong partners are united. Every year, around 52,000 inpatients and day patients as well as 212,000 outpatients are treated with a wide range of state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. In 30 specialized clinics and institutes, 5,000 employees are equally committed to patient care, research and teaching. The "DKFZ Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center and Medical Faculty Mannheim" was established in 2019 as a long-term partnership between the University Medical Center Mannheim, the Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University and DKFZ, and is generously supported by the Hector Foundation II. A major goal of the newly established "DKFZ Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center and Medical Faculty Mannheim" is to improve personalized oncology and bring innovative research results more rapidly into clinical application through clinical trials. The clinical-oriented research unit will contribute to the promotion of early career scientists in the field of oncological urosurgery. To this end, the Clinician Scientist will perform translational cancer research (50%) at the DKFZ and clinical activities (50%) at the Department of Urology and Urosurgery, University Medical Center Mannheim and Mannheim Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University.

Job description:

We are seeking a highly qualified and exceptionally motivated Clinician Scientist to lead an independent Junior Clinical Cooperation Unit (CCU). Data science, including various machine learning approaches for diagnostics (imaging) or prognosis (biomarker-based), are now established methods in oncology. The research of this CCU should focus on the development of methods for the recording and interpretation of intraoperative surgical sensor data. Of specific interest is the real-time analysis of endoscopy images, the utilization and creation of expert models based on motion curves of experienced surgeons, as well as the implementation of new technologies from the field of biophotonics for the functional evaluation of for example, perfusion and oxygenation or tissue differentiation with regard to dignity or detection of positive resection margins. Based on this, the expected spectrum includes modeling of the entire urosurgical workflow and translation via large-scale clinical studies into the professional routine. The aim is the creation of a basic framework for the utilization of the methods including digital applications, which in principle can be scaled to the entire open, endoscopic and robot-assisted oncological urosurgery. Clinical activities will be performed in the Department of Urology and Urosurgery at the University Hospital Mannheim. Close collaboration with the study outpatient clinic of the “DKFZ Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center and Medical Faculty Mannheim” is expected. Furthermore, eligible patients with tumor diseases will be recruited (and cared for) in urosurgical oncology clinical trials.

Your profile:

Eligible applicants are Clinician Scientists (physician in residency or completed residency) that hold a doctoral degree and the license to practice medicine. Applicants must have extensive experience in patient-oriented and translational cancer research to represent the interface of operational experience and technical understanding. Requirements:

• Operative skills, especially in endoscopic and robot-assisted urology
• Detailed knowledge in programming and statistics
• Post-doctoral scientific training and ability to conduct independent scientific work with an emphasis on data-driven biomedicine
• Participation or completion of a Clinician Scientist program would be advantageous
• Proven record of publications in peer-reviewed international journals as an exposed author
• Ability to successfully raise extramural funding
• Team spirit and communication skills
• Professional networking in the clinical and scientific field
• Very good knowledge of German and English
• High motivation and ability to work independently

To apply, please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, list of publications, summary of past research and future plans (max. five pages) and the names and addresses of two to three references using our online application portal (www.dkfz.de/jobs). Applications will be preselected and short-listed candidates will be invited to present and discuss their research and future plans.

We offer:

• Interesting, versatile workplace
• International, attractive working environment
• Campus with modern state-of-the-art infrastructure
• Salary according to TV-L including social benefits
• Possibility to work part-time
• Flexible working hours
• Comprehensive further training program

The position is limited to 5 years with the possibility of prolongation.
The position can in principle be part-time.

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.