Postdoc Position in Cancer Biology (ERC funded)

„Research for a life without cancer“ is our mission at the German Cancer Research Center. We investigate how cancer develops, identify cancer risk factors and look 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 Junior Research Group „Genome Instability in Tumors“ headed by Dr. Aurélie Ernst is offering a

Postdoc Position in Cancer Biology (ERC funded)

Reference number: 2025-0028

We are looking for a postdoctoral scientist (experimental) to work on chromosome instability in space and time and understand the early stages of cancer development, using data from single-cell multiome and spatial profiling in the brain and the colon. The project is funded through the ERC „Unstable Genome“.

The Ernst group aims at elucidating how chromosome instability leads to massive genome rearrangements and deciphering implications for cancer patients.
More Information can be found at .

Your Tasks:

As part of the research team, you will participate in the overall project and shape your own research profile in the following areas:

• Chromosome instability
• Early cancer development and clonal evolution
• Single-cell multiome analysis at ultra-large scale
• Spatial transcriptomics analysis
• Interactions between tumor cells and the microenvironment
• Dissecting the complex microenvironment of tumors by Multiplexed Ion Beam Imaging
• Mouse models of chromosome instability
• Human pre-cancer landscape, with a strong focus on the brain and the colon
• Clonal evolution and phylogeny analysis
• Analysis of copy-number changes and complex rearrangements as well as their impact on the transcriptome at single-cell resolution
• Clone fitness and selection

Your Profile:

You have a PhD in biological sciences or a related field.
Experience with laboratory animal work (preferably mouse) and FELASA certification or similar is an advantage. If not already completed, you will be required to take the course for laboratory animal science. A cancer biology background and a basic understanding of computational biology will be valued.
A very good command of English is expected.

The position is available immediately. The initial term of employment is 3 years and may be extended up to a total of 5 years.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their application including a cover letter, curriculum vitae, publication list, and a brief description of their current research interests and expertise (max 1 page) as one single PDF file via our online application tool.

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. occupational pension plan and capital-forming payments
• 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:
Dr. Aurélie Ernst
Phone: +49 6221 42-1512

The position is initially limited to 3 years.

Are you interested?

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

Apply now

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.

Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum | Im Neuenheimer Feld 280 | 69120 Heidelberg |

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