PhD Student Position in Epidemiology

„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.

From April 2025, our Department of Cancer Epidemiology is offering a PhD Student Position in Epidemiology.

Reference number: 2024-0349

The Department of Cancer Epidemiology at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) studies the causes of cancer, cardiovascular diseases and other chronic disease outcomes in the general population, with a special focus on the role of lifestyle and related metabolic risk factors, using prospective cohort studies. In context of these prospective studies – notably, the EPIC cohort (European Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition) – we are looking for a highly motivated PhD student for a project entitled “Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and hormone-sensitive obesity-related cancers” starting in April 2025. Funding [IIG_FULL_2024_028] was obtained from Wereld Kanker Onderzoek Fonds (WKOF), funded as part of the World Cancer Research Fund International grant program.

The aim of this project is to evaluate the association of POPs with hormone-sensitive obesity-related cancers using case-control studies nested within the EPIC cohort on endometrial and postmenopausal breast cancers which will be complemented by a systematic review process to evaluate and synthesize the literature to date.

We also aim to identify dietary, anthropometric, and other factors that may impact circulating POP concentrations to orient future targeted prevention strategies.

The PhD student will be responsible for carrying out systematic literature reviews and meta-analyses, data curation and preparation (including questionnaire and biomarker data generated for the project), data analysis, interpretation and dissemination of the results internationally (i.e., publications, conference presentations).

• Master’s degree in epidemiology, public health or biostatistics (or related discipline)
• Very good knowledge of statistics and epidemiological data analysis
• Programming skills with SAS and/or R
• Previous experience in epidemiological research and publication writing is an asset
• Excellent command of written and oral English, knowledge of German is not mandatory
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Enthusiasm for epidemiological research in an international team

Applications should include contact details of at least two referees.

• Excellent framework conditions: state-of-the-art equipment and oppor­tunities for inter­national networking at the highest level
• Access to international research networks
• Doctoral salary with the usual social benefits
• 30 days of vacation per year
• Flexible working hours
• 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 training and mentoring through the DKFZ International PhD Program and DKFZ Career Service 
• Our Corporate Health Manage­ment Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being