"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.

At the earliest date possible, the Clinical Cooperation Unit "Applied Tumor Immunity" at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) in Heidelberg is looking for a

Postdoc in the field of Raman Spectroscopy and Image Analysis in Translational Oncology

Reference number: 2025-0150

A position has opened for a highly motivated researcher in the dynamic multidisciplinary team – comprising wet-lab scientists, physicians, and computational scientists – of the Applied Tumor Immunity Clinical Cooperation Unit headed by Prof. Dr. Dirk Jäger.

You will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects and clinical trials and to make a significant impact on deciphering the tumor immune microenvironment.

Your Tasks

• Develop/apply image analysis pipelines for processing histological, immunofluorescence, and multiplex imaging data
• Develop/apply ML/DL models for image analysis, including segmentation, classification, object detection, etc.
• Design, develop, and maintain custom scripts and software to automate tasks and streamline workflows
• Perform tissue image analysis using digital pathology software (e.g., HALO, QuPath) for the quantitative assessment of histological and immunofluorescence data
• Perform imaging spectroscopy measurements (e.g., Raman) on tissue samples to characterize biochemical signatures
• Apply chemometric and multivariate statistical techniques for spectral classification and interpretation
• Work closely with biologists, clinicians, and data scientists in a multidisciplinary team
• Thrive on meeting challenges and insist on high-quality deliverables
• Document workflows, write reports, and contribute to scientific publications
• Stay current with advancements in the aforementioned fields, and apply new techniques to ongoing projects
• Present research findings at conferences and contribute to the preparation of scientific publications and grant applications

Your Profile

• A master's degree or PhD in computer science, computational biology, engineering, or a related field
• Experience with computational techniques for image and spectral data analysis, including ML/DL
• Experience with imaging spectroscopy (e.g., Raman), including data acquisition, processing, and interpretation
• Proficiency in programming languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB, etc.) for data analysis and pipeline development
• Ability to work independently, but also within our multidisciplinary research environment
• Strong problem-solving skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Track record of relevant research publications in journals/conferences or comparable experience in an industry setting
• Prior experience in cancer research, immunology, or translational biomedical sciences is a plus
• Prior experience with digital pathology software, e.g., HALO, QuPath, is a plus

Your CV and cover letter outlining your accomplishments and prior experience (relevant to the ad) must be included in your application. Please include the contact information of 2-3 referees who can attest to your academic and/or professional qualifications.

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 mobile work and 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. Lea Schweßinger
Phone: +49 6221 56-34250

The position is limited to 2 years.

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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