Staff Scientist

“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.

Our Junior Research Group “ Epithelium Microbiome Interactions ” (headed by Dr. Jens Puschhof) is seeking as Staff Scientist.

Reference number: 2024-0324

We are looking for a qualified and motivated Senior Postdoctoral Fellow / Staff Scientist to support the scientific and organizational development of our junior research group. In our group, we study how bacteria contribute to cancer development, metastasis, and treatment response. Our team includes cancer researchers, tissue engineers, micro­biologists, and bioinformaticians working together to help patients by deciphering the functional impacts of bacteria in human tumors. In our projects, we use organoid, organ chip and in vivo plat­forms to dissect the mechanisms of cancer-microbe interactions.

The candidate will be responsible for project design and implementation, joint conceptual and laboratory supervision of graduate students, grant writing and reporting, and overall group organi­zation. On the experimental side, the candidate will have the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art in vitro models, including organoids and organ chips, organoid transplantation mouse models, as well as functional microbiology assays. After an initial training phase, the candidate will co-supervise group members on their projects with these platforms. On the organizational side, the candidate will contribute to grant writing and reporting, including an ERC Starting Grant and diverse national and international consortia.

Responsibilities will include:

• Support of the conceptual, admini­strative and experimental organi­zation of a junior research group
• Grant writing and reporting for national and international research consortia
• Joint supervision of graduate students in cancer microbiome research
• Organization of laboratory processes and events

Required:

• PhD in cancer research, microbiology or computational biology or similar field
• Interest in experimental and computational cancer microbiome work
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Reliability and flexibility
• Structured, independent, and careful way of working
• Excellent written and oral communi­cation skills in English (German is also of advantage)

Advantageous:

• Postdoctoral research experience of at least 2 years
• Experience with collaborative grant / fellowship writing
• FELASA “EU Function A” certificate (former FELASA B Certificate)

• Excellent framework conditions: state-of-the-art equipment and oppor­tunities for inter­national networking at the highest level
• Remuneration according to TV-L incl. company pension scheme and capital-forming benefits
• 30 days of vacation per year
• Flexible working hours
• Possibility of part-time work
• Family-friendly working environ­ment
• Sustainable travel to work: subsidized Germany job ticket
• Our Corporate Health Manage­ment Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being
• 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