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„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

• Heidelberg
• Full-time
• Junior Research Group "Genome Instability in Tumors"

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

In this role, the candidate will engage in all relevant steps of the afore­mentioned research projects. This includes experimental design, development of statistical and AI methods, compu­tational analyses of large data sets, manuscript writing and reproducible documentation. You will work in close collaboration with AI specialists, compu­tational biologists, clinicians and experimentalists. Due to the sizeable complexity within these projects, the candidate is encouraged to help shape these projects, explore their own areas of interest, and contribute new ideas and approaches to our research efforts.

Your Profile

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 candidate 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. Contact:
Eileen Haage
Phone: +49 6221 42-1512

The position is initially limited to 2 years with the possibility of prolongation.

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.