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.

Together with university partners at seven renowned partner sites, we have established the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK).

For the Division of Cancer Research at the DKTK partner site Freiburg, we are seeking for the next possible date a

Postdoctoral Fellow in Functional Cancer Genomics

Reference number: 2025-0294

• Freiburg im Breisgau
• Full-time
• DKTK partner site Freiburg - Cancer Research

The Division of Cancer Research at the University Medical Center Freiburg is focused on functional cancer genomics and especially the high-throughput characterization of mutations in cancer genes for their impact on tumorigenesis, signaling activation, and targeted therapy response (e.g., Nat Commun 2019, Nat Cell Biol 2020, Nat Commun 2024, Sci Adv 2025, Nat Genet 2025).
The method spectrum in our lab ranges from innovative techniques from molecular and cell biology like diverse CRISPR techniques (Nucleic Acids Res 2017, Hepatology 2018) or RNA-protein complex identification (Mol Cell 2019, Nat Commun 2024) to applications in bioinformatics and biochemistry. Our lab in Freiburg is newly equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation.

Your Tasks

We are seeking a highly motivated, ambitious postdoctoral fellow with significant and published experience in the area of molecular biology and/or cancer research, ideally in cancer genetics with experimental wet lab expertise and ideally experience in high-throughput approaches. The core project of the postdoctoral fellow will be the functional characterization and analysis of genetic alterations in cancer in high-throughput. Research questions will include the mutational impact at the cellular and molecular level and their mechanistic consequences. An innovative screen using saturation mutational scanning or CRISPR site-directed mutagenesis shall unravel their impact on human cells. Comprehensive resources as well as established protocols to build on are available. Jointly with the division head, new projects within the focus area of the lab can also be developed and supported to allow the growth into scientific maturity and independence.

Your Profile

You are a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow with a PhD / Dr. rer. nat. in a life science field and are eager to pursue and lead research projects in functional tumor genetics and the molecular biology of cancer, including high-throughput approaches and precision genome editing, with ambition, creativity, independence, and team spirit. You have published experience in techniques of cellular and molecular biology or cancer research. Practical knowledge of bioinformatics would be welcome. You work efficiently, goal-oriented and accurate, have a deep interest in research, and are proficient in English in writing and speaking.

Please submit your application documents in one single PDF via the DKFZ job portal.

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
• 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

Contact:
Prof. Dr. Sven Diederichs
Phone: +49 761 270-77571

The position is initially limited to 3 years.

Application Deadline: 13.12.2025

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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