The DKFZ is committed to increase the proportion of women in all areas and positions in which women are underrepresented. Qualified female applicants are therefore particularly encouraged to apply. Among candidates of equal aptitude and qualifications, a person with disabilities will be given preference. To apply for a position please use our online application portal (). We ask for your understanding that we cannot return application documents that are sent to us by post (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Personalabteilung, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg) and that we do not accept applications submitted via email. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

The German Cancer Research Center is the largest biomedical research institution in Germany. With more than 3,000 employees, we operate an extensive scientific program in the field of cancer research.

The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) is seeking a

Head of the Core Facility “Preclinical and Translational Pathology”

(Ref-No. 2024-0120)

Our scientists are supported in their research projects by central service units (Core Facilities) that provide access to advanced equipment and methodological expertise across a wide range of state-of-the-art technologies. We are seeking a qualified scientist with experience in the preparation and analysis of human and mouse tissue samples to lead the newly established Core Facility "Preclinical and Translational Pathology." The position offers the opportunity to plan and establish a modern, research-oriented pathology core facility based on an existing small service unit. A team of 2-3 technical assistants is already available to support you. The new core facility will provide the following services: tissue processing; histochemical and immunohistochemical staining including digitization of specimens and digitally assisted evaluation; RNA in situ hybridization; archiving of sections and tissue blocks. Manual protocols are to be converted into automated pipelines and further developed. Services will be offered according to the "fee-for-service" principle, for which a cost model is to be established. Your tasks:

Conception, establishment, and management of a core facility for tissue analysis (human and murine) tailored to the preclinical and translational research projects of the DKFZ
Systematic improvement of existing and development of new innovative tissue-based methods, particularly in the areas of "spatial omics" and digital pathology
Organization of facility operations, including implementation of internal cost allocation
Consultation of facility users regarding histology projects
Training of interested users for independent execution of histological and histochemical techniques, including analysis of stains
Implementation of standardized and quality-assured processes
Conducting research projects in cooperation with DKFZ researchers
Acquisition of third-party funding

Your profile:

Completed university degree in biology, medicine, or veterinary medicine
Preferably completed doctorate
Theoretical and practical knowledge in histological analyses
Knowledge of digitally assisted evaluation of histochemical and immunohistochemical stainings
Preferably experience in leading a team
Service-oriented and communicative personality
High degree of self-motivation and self-organization
Very good knowledge of written and spoken English and German

We offer:

Excellent framework conditions: the most modern, state-of-the-art infrastructure and the opportunity for international exchange at a top level
Remuneration according to TV-L including company pension scheme and capital formation benefits
30 days vacation
Flexible working hours
Possibility of mobile work and part-time work
Family-friendly working environment, depending on the location, with parent-child rooms, advice services, for example through company care guides
Sustainable work: discounted Germany job ticket
Develop your full potential: targeted offers for your personal development promote your talents
Our company health management offers a holistic offer for your well-being

The position is initially limited to 2 years.
An extension is possible.

Important notice:
The DKFZ is subject to the regulations of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG). As a consequence, only persons who present proof of immunity against measles may work at the DKFZ.

For further information please contact
Prof. Dr. Elisa May, Telefon +49 6221/42-2682.