DKFZ Clinician Scientist Fellowships 2025

„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.

DKFZ Clinician Scientist Fellowships 2025

Reference number: 2025-0036

LOOKING FOR AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY TO EXPAND YOUR RESEARCH EXPERIENCE AND COMPLEMENT YOUR CLINICAL AND SCIENTIFIC TRAINING?

Apply now for a DKFZ Clinician Scientist Fellowship!

The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg invites highly motivated physicians with a keen interest in cancer research to apply for a DKFZ Clinician Scientist Fellowship. As Germany’s largest biomedical research institute, DKFZ offers exciting opportunities across basic, computational, epidemiological, prevention, and translational cancer research. Located within Heidelberg´s thriving biomedical campus, DKFZ fosters an interdisciplinary, collaborative environment that drives scientific excellence. 

This year, we are offering five DKFZ Clinician Scientists Fellowships, two of which are supported by the DKFZ Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medicine Mannheim.

Look at the research profiles on our website to identify the groups and the area in which you want to conduct research. One Fellowship will be specially reserved for research in cancer prevention (including early detection and survivorship). You´ll be asked to indicate if you are interested in projects/groups related to this area in the online application form (after clicking the “Apply Now” button at the bottom of the page).

Further information and eligibility criteria on www.dkfz.de/clinicianscientist

• Enjoy protected time for your research
• Complement your clinical and research training
• Receive comprehensive training and tailored mentoring
• Make use of state-of-the-art research facilities and infrastructure
• Be part of our growing international community of clinician scientists
• Extend your network and meet colleagues working in basic and translational research

 We are looking for clinical candidates who:

• show enthusiasm for science and wish to link basic and clinical research
• have obtained a higher medical degree (equivalent to MD-PhD)
• are at an early stage of their career, i.e. are currently working on their specialized medical training (Germany: Facharztweiterbildung).
• Prior experience in a cancer-relevant research area is desirable but not a must
• Fellowship applications are open for national and international candidates who wish to focus on basic and translational cancer research.

Application

Submit your complete application (in English) as one PDF file containing the following documents via our online application portal. (Only applications submitted through our application portal will be valid.)

• One-page motivation letter (incl. a statement of your research interests).
• Names of the groups that you would like to interview with (make sure to check out the offered projects).
• Curriculum vitae (incl. publication list and documentation of your clinical/research experience)
• Copy of degree certificates (originals, transcripts, and translations, if applicable)
• Contact details of two references who are familiar with your work

• 30 days of vacation per year
• Flexible working hours
• Family-friendly working environ­ment
• Possibility of part-time work
• Sustainable travel to work: subsidized Germany job ticket
• Access to international research networks
• Develop your full potential: access to the DKFZ International Postdoc Program and DKFZ Career Service with targeted offers for your personal development to further develop your talents
• Administrative support for extramural grant application
• A highly supportive research environment at the DKFZ, the National Cancer Prevention Center (NCPC) and the wider scientific community including Heidelberg University as well as opportunities for national and international networking at the highest level
• Campus with modern state-of-the-art infrastructure, including access to large clinical datasets and sample collections.
• Comprehensive further training program, options for mentoring and leadership programs
• Our Corporate Health Management Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being