We are seeking a motivated Junior Group Leader to join our team at the Mildred Scheel Career Center, starting from the earliest possible date. The position is initially limited to 5 years.

The Mildred Scheel Career Center (Mildred-Scheel-Nachwuchszentrum, MSNZ) Frankfurt-Marburg is a joint institution of the Faculty of Medicine of the Goethe University, the University Medicine Frankfurt, the University Cancer Center (UCT) Frankfurt-Marburg and the Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI). The MSNZ Frankfurt-Marburg is one of five sites in Germany, funded by the German Cancer Aid within the framework of the research program "Mildred-Scheel-Nachwuchszentren”. The MSNZ offers an excellence program for Medical Scientists (scientists with a life science background or physicians working exclusively in science) aiming at a long-term perspective in university medicine with high scientific expectations. The MSNZ funds are intended for the scientist’s own position and for his or her own scientific projects to support the development into an independent group leader. More information can be found at www.msnz-frankfurt.com

Project description:

The MSNZ Frankfurt-Marburg and the Department of Dermatology (Prof. Bastian Schilling) aim to strengthen their research activities in the field of translational skin cancer research. Integrated into the Department of Dermatology and the translational cancer research program of the Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI; http://fci.health), the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and UCT Frankfurt-Marburg (www.uct-frankfurt-marburg.de), the junior group will focus on the areas of tumor immunology and immunotherapy in malignancies of the skin. Numerous omics technologies and preclinical models are available to support the junior group and can be included in the research proposal. Further support is provided by the technological platforms and staff scientists of the FCI (drug screening, organoids, animal models, immunomonitoring), as well as the expertise of the UCT Biobank for patient samples and annotated clinical data.

• University degree and PhD or MD or MD-PhD in life sciences or a related field with outstanding scientific credentials and postdoc experience
• Strong expertise in tumor immunology and immunotherapy, e.g. T cell-mediated antitumor immunity, tumor antigens, HLA-biology obtained in national or international research institutions
• Publications in high-ranking international scientific journals
• Experience with obtaining third party funding
• Research expertise in one of the topics relevant for the mission of the FCI, the UCT and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK)
• A competitive research proposal within the aims of the FCI, the UCT and the DKTK. Please use the application form to submit your research proposal.
• Strong interest in promoting your own career and scientific independence
• High level of motivation and communication skills
• Due to legal regulations, a valid proof of measles immunity / measles vaccination is required.

• In addition to an attractive salary based on a collective agreement with an annual special payment, you benefit from long-term security through company pension schemes
• Internal and external training for your professional development
• Benefit from our attractive health offers. We offer regular online and face-to-face courses on nutrition, relaxation, sports and exercise
• Part-time employment is possible, we offer childcare in our daycare center (if you have any questions, please contact UKF-Familienservice), child care during holidays
• Excellent environment to establish an independent research group (5-year-funding with the possibility of a 2-year extension after positive evaluation)
• Funding for a PhD position and technical assistance and a budget for consumables
• Integration into the FCI, the UCT and the DKTK
• Access to scientific infrastructure and established preclinical models
• Excellent basic research linked to translational and clinical aspects
• Participation in training and qualification programs of the MSNZ
• A diverse and challenging task in an outstanding scientific and international environment
• Free public transport in all Hessen (Free State Ticket Hessen)
• Uniklinik-Campus, Mensa, Cafés
• Insights: Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn
• FAQ´s for new employees

Contact: Prof. Dr. Christian Brandts and Dr. Tinka Haydn
Phone: 069-6301-87334 und 069-6301-7251
E-Mail: msnz@unimedizin-ffm.de
Application Deadline: October 15, 2025

We welcome applications from candidates of all genders. Women are currently underrepresented in these positions at Universitätsmedizin Frankfurt. Therefore, applications from women are especially encouraged. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration in cases of equal personal and professional qualifications.