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.

We investigate how cancer develops, identify cancer risk factors and search 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.

The Division of Computational and Molecular Prevention (headed by Prof. Dr. Filimon Goncalves) is seeking for the next possible date a

Postdoctoral Researcher – Computational & Translational Analysis of Pulmonary Nodules

Reference number: 2026-0013

• Heidelberg
• Full-time
• Computational and Molecular Prevention

The Division of Computational and Molecular Prevention of the DKFZ, in collaboration with the Translational Molecular Imaging in Oncologic Therapy Monitoring Unit, invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to join an interdisciplinary research program within the PRELUNG study, focusing on early lung cancer detection and biological characterization of pulmonary nodules.
Pulmonary nodules from hundreds of patients are being collected and biopsied as part of a prospective imaging study. Up to 40 FFPE biopsy samples will be analyzed using spatial transcriptomics and mutREAD DNA sequencing, enabling integrative analysis of spatial gene expression, tissue architecture, and genomic alterations at early stages of lung carcinogenesis.

Your Tasks

Scientific & Computational Responsibilities:

• Lead unbiased, data-driven integration of:
  • Spatial transcriptomics data
  • Genomic alteration profiles (copy number alterations, SNVs)
  • Histopathological diagnoses and clinical metadata
  • Radiomic features (in collaboration with imaging specialists)
• Perform unsupervised clustering and pattern discovery without predefined diagnostic labels
• Interpret molecular and microenvironmental states of benign, premalignant, and malignant pulmonary nodules
• Identify and prioritize biomarkers for:
  • Liquid biopsy development
  • PET tracer target discovery
• Contribute to validation strategies (e.g. immunohistochemistry) in collaboration with pathologists
• Lead the preparation of high-impact, interdisciplinary publications

Translational & Collaborative Responsibilities:

• Act as a scientific integrator across multiple collaborating research groups
• Communicate effectively with clinicians, pathologists, imaging scientists, and molecular technologists
• Maintain reproducible and well-documented analysis workflows

Patient Engagement & Return-of-Data Work Package:

• Actively participate in a participant-driven co-design process to develop a framework for returning molecular and imaging data to study participants
• Contribute scientific content to patient workshops and plain-language communication materials
• Co-facilitate workshops together with ethicists, communication experts, and institutional partners
• Help synthesize participant feedback into structured outputs, including:
  • A return-of-data blueprint
  • Prototype participant reports
  • An evaluated framework for future implementation

Your Profile

• Master's degree and PhD in computational biology, bioinformatics, systems biology, biomedical data science, cancer biology, or a related field
• Strong experience in omics data analysis, ideally including single-cell or spatial transcriptomics
• Proficiency in R and/or Python and modern data-analysis workflows
• Experience with unsupervised learning, clustering, and integrative analysis
• Ability to translate computational findings into meaningful biological and translational insights
• Strong interest in early cancer detection and biomarker discovery
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
  • Excellent communication skills across diverse audiences (patients, clinicians, computational scientists)
  • Empathy, active listening, and comfort engaging with non-expert stakeholders
  • Ability to discuss uncertainty and non-actionable findings responsibly
  • Confidence contributing to group facilitation without reliance on hierarchical authority
  • A collaborative, inclusive, and respectful working style

Applicants are encouraged to highlight concrete evidence of these skills (e.g. patient-facing research, public engagement, teaching, facilitation, or interdisciplinary leadership).

Application:

Interested applicants should submit the following documents via our online application tool:

• A cover letter describing your scientific interests and motivation for this interdisciplinary and patient-engaged role
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact details of 2–3 references

We Offer

• 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
• Unleash your full potential: targeted training and mentoring through the DKFZ International PhD Program and DKFZ Career Service

Contact:
Dr. Angela Teresa Filimon Goncalves
Phone: +49(0)6221 42-1280

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

Application Deadline: 04.03.2026

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.

Share this job!

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