“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 Division of Digital Prevention, Diagnostics and Therapy Guidance is seeking for the next possible date a Data Scientist in AI-driven Skin Cancer Research.

The main goal of the division is the development of robust and interpretable digital biomarkers to improve prevention, non-invasive early detection, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches. We are an interdisciplinary team of 30 people, mostly data scientists, doctors and molecular biologists.

Help shape the future of personalized skin cancer diagnostics by developing AI-driven methods for image classification. We seek real-world impact, meaning the project is in collaboration with a large German company (HEINE Optotechnik), to help patients benefit from the developed solutions as fast as possible via a market-ready medical device.

Your tasks will include:

• Development of AI-driven models for skin cancer diagnostics and early detection, with a focus on robustness, explainability, and clinical applicability
• Designing and validating a digital dashboard for real-time risk stratification and clinical decision-making, ensuring accessibility for both clinicians and patients
• Collaborating with interdisciplinary experts, including dermatologists, AI researchers, statisticians, and computational biologists, to optimize data-driven diagnostic strategies
• Validating the developed models and infrastructure through pilot studies with data from 100 study participants, ensuring real-world applicability
• Publishing in top-tier scientific journals and contributing to clinical studies to validate the effectiveness of AI-assisted diagnostics

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who is passionate about AI in data research and eager to translate machine learning innovations into real-world clinical applications.

Required qualifications:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in data science, computer science, bioinformatics, biomedical engineering, or a related field
• Strong background in machine learning, deep learning, and data integration
• Experience in computer vision and medical image analysis is a plus
• Proficiency in Python and AI frameworks (TensorFlow/PyTorch)
• Interest or experience in bioinformatics, and large-scale data processing
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills
• Fluent in English (German is not required but beneficial)

You can look forward to

• Impactful Research: Work on a pioneering AI-driven prevention and diagnostics project that has the potential to revolutionize skin cancer care.
• Professional Development: Opportunities to attend international conferences, workshops, and specialized AI training programs.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work alongside leading experts in dermatology, AI, and bioinformatics at one of Europe’s top cancer research institutions.

How to apply

Please submit your CV, cover letter, and academic transcripts via our online portal. We look forward to your application.

• Excellent framework conditions: state-of-the-art equipment and oppor­tunities for inter­national networking at the highest level
• 30 days of vacation per year
• Flexible working hours
• Remuneration according to TV-L incl. company pension scheme and capital-forming benefits
• Possibility of part-time work
• Family-friendly working environ­ment
• Sustainable travel to work: subsidized Germany job ticket
• Unleash your full potential: targeted offers for your personal develop­ment promote your talents
• Our Corporate Health Manage­ment Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being

Dr. Titus Brinker
Phone: +49 1517 50-84347

The position is limited to 18 months.

Application Deadline: 11.09.2025

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.

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