The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) is one of Europe’s largest cancer research centers. “Research for a life without cancer" is the mission of our world-class scientists and all our team members.

The DKFZ is a place where the brightest minds pursue bold ideas and seek answers to pioneering scientific questions through collaboration, innovation, and exploration across many disciplines. We provide a dynamic environment which empowers excellence with state-of-the-art technologies, cutting edge infrastructure, and a global scientific network.

Contribute your knowledge, vision, and dedication to create a space where scientific discovery in cancer research is transformed into benefits for human health.

The Division of Intelligent Medical Systems is seeking for the next possible date a

Scientific Coordinator

Reference number: 2026-0040

• Heidelberg
• Full-time
• Intelligent Medical Systems

The Division of Intelligent Medical Systems (IMSY) is an interdisciplinary research division working at the interface of computer science, physics, statistics, and medicine. Our mission is to address the unique methodological and translational challenges of medical imaging AI to enable robust, clinically meaningful applications, with a particular focus on surgical AI. IMSY is highly international and strongly embedded in large collaborative research consortia, meta-research initiatives, and community-driven projects.

Project Description

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to substantially improve medical care, from early diagnosis to treatment planning and follow-up. Despite rapid technical advances, many AI algorithms in healthcare do not yet address the most urgent clinical needs. Research efforts are frequently shaped by the availability of data rather than by the relevance of the underlying medical problem.

Medical Imaging AGI’s Last Exam (MEDAL) is an international initiative funded by the foundation Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung that seeks to realign medical AI development with real-world clinical needs. The project aims to establish a globally relevant benchmark based on high-impact clinical questions. Through a large-scale global crowdsourcing campaign, experts worldwide are invited to submit clinically meaningful challenges together with corresponding imaging data. An international, multidisciplinary expert panel will identify those tasks whose solution would have clear relevance for patient care.

MEDAL’s objective is to create a rigorous and internationally recognized “final exam” for medical AI – a benchmark designed to assess whether advanced AI models can address complex clinical scenarios and demonstrate tangible clinical value, thereby channeling scientific effort and resources toward the most pressing medical challenges.

Role and responsibilities

We are looking for an experienced coordinator with a scientific background (preferably in computer science, physics, statistics, mathematics, medicine or related discipline with relevance to medical imaging or AI) to coordinate the international MEDAL consortium and ensure the smooth execution of all organizational, communicative, and operational aspects of the project. The position focuses on scientific coordination and management rather than hands-on research, working closely with the core research team to structure collaborative processes across disciplines and institutions.

Key responsibilities:

• Coordination of the large, international, and interdisciplinary MEDAL research consortium
• Content-related preparation, planning, and coordination of appointments, meetings, and events
• Attending and assisting with appointments and committee meetings, as well as their preparation and follow-up
• Central point of contact for national and international consortium partners
• Assistance with correspondence and communication
• Planning and organizing scientific conferences, internal events, Delphi rounds, crowdsourcing activities, workshops, and seminars
• Monitoring timelines, milestones, and deliverables across work packages
• Supporting concept development, grant writing, and report preparation
• Conducting surveys and translating findings into actionable items
• Planning and supporting workflow optimization and change processes in close collaboration with partners
• Overseeing budget and personnel to ensure efficient resource allocation
• Close collaboration with the core research team
• Collaboration with various administrative departments, including the Grants Office and legal department

What we expect

• Master's degree in data science, natural sciences, medicine, or related fields
• A reliable, efficient, and independent work ethic
• Affinity to the research area of data science is advantageous
• Experience in scientific project management is desirable
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong social skills and teamwork abilities
• A high degree of independence and initiative, with the ability to proactively identify needs, propose solutions, and drive coordination tasks forward

What makes this position special:

• Work on an exciting, highest-impact research project
• Being part of a team of highly skilled and motivated scientists
• A highly interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment including clinical and technical partners
• Professional scientific work infrastructure including state-of-the-art computational resources

We Offer

• Excellent framework conditions: State-of-the-Art equipment and oppor­tunities for inter­national networking at the highest level
• 30 days of vacation per year
• Flexible working hours
• Remuneration according to TV-L incl. company pension scheme and capital-forming benefits
• 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 offers for your personal develop­ment promote your talents
• Our Corporate Health Manage­ment Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being

Contact:
Prof. Dr. Lena Maier-Hein
Phone: +49 (0)6221 42-2341

The position is initially limited to 2 years with the possibility of prolongation.

Application Deadline: 27.03.2026

Applications by e-mail cannot be accepted.
Please also note that we cannot return applications submitted by post.

Are you interested?

Then become part of the DKFZ and join us in contributing to a life without cancer!

We are convinced that an innovative research and working environment thrives on the diversity of its employees. Therefore, we welcome applications from talented people, regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical ability, religion and age. People with severe disabilities are given preference if they have the same aptitude.

Notice: We are subject to the regulations of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG). Therefore, all our employees must provide proof of immunity against measles.

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