Junior Research Group Leader
Molecular Biology of Systemic
(Endo-)Radiotherapy at the
German Cancer Research
Center (DKFZ)

(Ref-No. 2018-0216)

The German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ) is a member of the Helmholtz Association and with more than 3,000 employees the largest biomedical research institute in Germany and one of Europe's leading cancer research centers. 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. To efficiently translate novel findings from basic science into the clinic, the DKFZ runs partnerships with leading University Medical Centers as well as industry. Since 2009, DKFZ and Bayer collaborate in a strategic alliance and exploit their complementary expertises to translate research findings into drug discovery. The DKFZ offers a highly attractive scientific setting with a unique broad spectrum of opportunities for collaboration. Moreover, we provide excellent research conditions, an international and collegial research environment and access to state-of-the-art core facilities.

Description:
We are currently seeking an outstanding researcher with an excellent scientific track record to head an independent junior research group jointly funded by DKFZ and Bayer within their strategic alliance.

Radiotherapy is one of the main pillars of state-of-the-art cancer therapy, either as a single modality or combined with other treatments. While external beam radiation is highly effective in treating local tumors, systemic radiotherapy (endoradiotherapy) has emerged as novel treatment option for disseminated disease. In this context, alpha-particle emitting radionuclides are of particular interest because of their very high linear energy transfer which delivers maximum damage to the tumor site while sparing surrounding normal tissues. Despite the well-known physical differences between α particles vs. X or β/γ rays for cancer therapy, our knowledge about the molecular mechanisms underlying  effectiveness and resistance towards systemic alpha therapy is still at its infancy.

The German Cancer Research Center together with the National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology (NCRO) and the National Center for Tumor Disease (NCT) and  its close university collaboration partners in Heidelberg and Dresden ranks among the top academic institutions for radiotherapeutic research and therapy world-wide, and Bayer is a pharmaceutical leader in targeted alpha therapies. Therefore, the DKFZ and Bayer decided to establish a joint junior research group on “Molecular Biology of Systemic (Endo-)Radiotherapy”. This group shall deepen and broaden the knowledge on the underlying molecular pathways both in the tumor and in the tumor microenvironment with the aim to identify novel cancer targets.

A core funding will be provided for three positions (including group head) plus consumables and starting equipment. Recruitment of additional, third party funding on topics independent from the core research program will be enabled and is encouraged.

Your profile:
Eligible applicants are scientists (PhD, MD or MD-PhD degree) with more than 2 and less than 6 years of postdoctoral experience at the time of application (parental leave periods in this phase will be taken into consideration at two years per child under 12 years, residency in medicine will also be taken into consideration). Applicants must have international research experience documented by a minimum of six-month continuous research stay abroad and an outstanding scientific track record. The ideal candidates are expected to pursue highly innovative research projects at the frontiers of cancer research and able to successfully raise extramural funding.

Application:
To apply, please send a single PDF file containing a cover letter to the Scientific Director Prof. Michael Baumann, 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 October 31st, 2018 via the online application portal (www.dkfz.de/jobs).

Applications will be preselected and short-listed candidates will be invited to the DKFZ in November / December 2018 to present and discuss their research and future plans.