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.

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

Then apply now for one of the

DKFZ Clinician Scientist Fellowships 2026

Reference number: 2026-0003

• Heidelberg, Mannheim
• Full-time, Part-time
• Postdoc and Clinician Scientist Programs Office

The German Cancer Research Center 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.

Take a look at the research profiles on our website to identify the groups and the area in which you want to conduct research.

Further information and eligibility criteria can be found at www.dkfz.de/clinicianscientist.

Join us to:

• 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 national or international 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 no further than 2 years into their specialized medical training (Germany: Facharztweiterbildung)
• preferably have prior experience in a cancer-relevant research area, but this is not essential
• are interested in focusing on basic and translational cancer research

Application:

Please submit your complete application (in English) as a single 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. statement of your research interests)
• List of preferences with the 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

We Offer

• Campus with modern state-of-the-art infrastructure, including access to large clinical datasets and sample collections.
• 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
• Access to international research networks
• 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
• Comprehensive further training program, options for mentoring and leadership programs
• Our Corporate Health Manage­ment Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being

Contact:
Dr. Mariana Schulte-Sasse
Phone: +49 6221 42-1696

The positions are initially limited to 2 years. An extension is possible.

Application Deadline: 15. März 2026

Applications by e-mail cannot be accepted.

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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Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum | Im Neuenheimer Feld 280 | 69120 Heidelberg | www.dkfz.de