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 German Cancer Research Center welcomes applications for a tenured position as

Division Head in “Nutrition in Cancer Prevention” (endowed by the Viessmann Foundation gGmbH)

Reference number: 2025-0290

• Heidelberg
• Full-time
• Management Board

The advertised position is strategically embedded in the expansion of the National Cancer Prevention Center (NCPC) – a forward-looking joint initiative of the DKFZ and the German Cancer Aid (Deutsche Krebshilfe). The NCPC is currently being established for the systematic strengthening of evidence-based cancer prevention in research, application, and transfer to society. Under one roof, multidisciplinary divisions from epidemiology, public health, molecular prevention, exercise, and nutrition will work closely together to develop innovative prevention measures, evaluate them scientifically, and disseminate them nationwide.

Job description:

The new division will play a central role in the NCPC and will be responsible among others for establishing the “Viessmann Laboratory (Werkstatt) for Sustainable Healthy Nutrition” – a platform for researching, developing, and implementing healthy and sustainable nutrition concepts in the context of cancer prevention. The position is based at the DKFZ and is integrated into the center's long-term strategy for cancer prevention, offering excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.

We are seeking an outstanding scientist with proven expertise in the fields of public health nutrition, nutritional epidemiology, behavioral medicine, preventive epidemiology, or related areas. The division head's professional focus should be on population-based research to promote healthy and sustainable nutrition in the context of cancer prevention.

Particular emphasis is placed on a translational and interdisciplinary research profile that encompasses the development, implementation, and evaluation of nutritional interventions as well as the scientific investigation of behavioral, social, and structural factors influencing nutritional and health behaviors. The successful candidate is expected to be able to conceptually lead and methodologically implement complex intervention trials or observational studies in various population groups, especially with children, adolescents, and vulnerable target groups.

The future division head will play a key role in promoting the impact and implementation of scientific findings in practice — for example, through collaboration with canteens, schools, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, political decision-makers, and media. The division will also make active contributions to social, political, and economic transfer, e.g., through evidence-based guidance, the development of multiplier programs, and innovation projects in collaboration with partners from industry and the media.

Requirements:

• A PhD, MD, or equivalent degree in life sciences
• High academic qualifications (habilitation) or equivalent academic qualifications
• An internationally recognized track record of excellence in cancer prevention and/or nutrition science
• Demonstrated leadership experience and success in securing competitive external funding
• A commitment to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative research environment, team science
• Evidence of effective and modern teaching and further education experience
• High level of academic commitment

We Offer

• A tenured position at the level of a DKFZ Division Head (W3 remuneration equivalent)
• Attractive core funding and access to cutting-edge research facilities and resources, as well as competitive internal funding opportunities of the DKFZ and the Helmholtz Association
• A highly supportive research environment at the DKFZ, the National Cancer Prevention Center (NCPC), the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) and the wider scientific community including Heidelberg University as well as opportunities for national and international networking at the highest level
• Campus with modern state-of-the-art infrastructure
• 30 days of vacation per year
• Family-friendly working environment, e.g. parent-child room and advisory services
• Sustainable travel to work: subsidized Germany job ticket
• Administrative support for extramural grant application
• Our Corporate Health Management Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

• A cover letter detailing their research vision and leadership experience
• A curriculum vitae, including a complete list of publications and external funding
• A concise research plan for the first 5 years, also including a summary of previous work, collaborations, and wider outlook (maximum 5 pages)
• Contact information for at least three academic referees

The position is permanent.

Contact:
Prof. Dr. med. Dr. h.c. Michael Baumann
Telefon: +49 6221 42-2850

Application Deadline: 17.12.2025

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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