University Professorship (W3) "Nuclear Chemistry and Radiopharmaceutical Sciences in (Translational) Cancer Research" (f/m/d) Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ)

The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) is one of Europe’s largest cancer research centers. “Research for a life without cancer" is the mission of our world-class scientists and all our team members.

The DKFZ is a place where the brightest minds pursue bold ideas and seek answers to pioneering scientific questions through collaboration, innovation, and exploration across many disciplines. We provide a dynamic environment which empowers excellence with state-of-the-art technologies, cutting edge infrastructure, and a global scientific network.

Contribute your knowledge, vision, and dedication to create a space where scientific discovery in cancer research is transformed into benefits for human health.

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) – The University in the Helmholtz Association creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. It is our goal to make significant contributions to mastering the global challenges of mankind in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. For this, over 9000 employees of KIT cooperate in a broad range of disciplines in research, academic education, and innovation.

Within the framework of a joint appointment, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) will fill, at the earliest possible date, a

University Professorship (W3) „Nuclear Chemistry and Radiopharmaceutical Sciences in (Translational) Cancer Research“ (f/m/d)

Reference number: 2026-0058

• Heidelberg
• Full-time
• Management Board

Job description

The newly established professorship “Nuclear Chemistry and Radiopharmaceutical Sciences in (Translational) Cancer Research” aims to identify novel therapeutic targets for cancer and to make them usable for therapeutic approaches. A central focus lies on the development of innovative radiotracers and radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic and therapeutic applications in oncology, with particular emphasis on structure-activity relationships. These activities are expected to be conducted at an internationally leading level and to achieve new clinical milestones that sustainably contribute to the advancement of clinical practice.

The professorship is expected to conduct comprehensive preclinical (radio)analytical in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo evaluations and to actively support the translation of the results into prospective clinical trials. In addition, the molecular and biological mechanisms underlying tumor radioresistance are to be investigated, and strategies to further enhance the efficacy of targeted radionuclide therapies (Targeted Radionuclide Therapy, TRNT) are to be developed.

The candidate is also expected to actively support the establishment and further development of the complex research and treatment infrastructure (including control areas, a theranostics unit, and GMP-compliant facilities) and to ensure their usability from both a technical and scientific perspective.

Given the highly interdisciplinary nature of the research field, close collaboration with universities, university hospitals, non-university research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, the Helmholtz Association’s network for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences, as well as additional national and international research networks is expected, in particular the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK). The candidate is expected to pursue an integrative approach that connects nuclear chemistry, radiopharmacy, radiobiology, and nuclear medicine, thereby providing a solid foundation for the transition toward modern personalized precision medicine for cancer patients.

The position, at the level of a division head at DKFZ, is equipped with attractive core funding, including budget for personnel, consumables, and investments. In addition, access is provided to competitive intramural funding programs of the DKFZ and the Helmholtz Association.

The teaching obligation associated with the professorship at the KIT Department of Chemistry and Biosciences is 2 hours per week per semester.

Personal qualification

Employment is subject to Art. 14, par. (2) of the KIT Act in conjunction with Art. 47 LHG Baden-Württemberg (Act of Baden-Württemberg on Universities and Colleges).

Demonstrated expertise, extensive experience, and outstanding scientific achievements in the fundamental, applied, and translational aspects of nuclear chemistry and radiopharmacy are required.

The professorship is a joint appointment with the German Cancer Research Centre and is based on the Jülich model. At the same time, the holder will be granted leave of absence to the DKFZ to lead the division “Nuclear Chemistry and Radiopharmaceutical Sciences in (Translational) Cancer Research”. If the civil service and budgetary requirements are met, the appointment to the professorship is usually made directly on the basis of a lifetime civil servant status (Beamtenverhältnis auf Lebenszeit).

Organizational unit: Division I - Biology, Chemistry and Process Engineering, KIT Department of Chemistry and Biosciences

Contract duration: The position is permanent.

Application deadline: 27.04.2026

Contact person in line management: For further information, please contact Professor Dr. med. Dr. h.c. Michael Baumann, phone: +49 (0)6221/42-2850, email: berufungen@dkfz-heidelberg.de.

How to apply

Please mail your application with the relevant documents (curriculum vitae, list of publications, diplomas/certificates, teaching evaluations, description of previous and planned research and teaching activities, research and teaching concept, description of your own contributions in the above-mentioned areas, acquired third-party funds, statement on scientific honesty), preferably as a single PDF file, to Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Division I – Biology, Chemistry, and Process Engineering, Head of Division Professor Dr. Andrea Robitzki, e-mail: berufungsverfahren@bl1.kit.edu as well as to the Chairman and Scientific Director of the DKFZ, Professor Dr. Dr. h. c. Michael Baumann, via the DKFZ online application tool, quoting the relevant reference number (https://www.dkfz.de/en/career/jobs).

Please also note that we cannot return applications submitted by post. As a family-friendly university, KIT offers part-time employment, leaves of absence, a dual career service, and coaching to support the work-life balance. DKFZ offers a family-friendly working environment, flexible working hours, 30 days of vacation per year, targeted offers for your personal development, our Corporate Health Management Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being and a subsidized Germany job ticket.

Your personal data will be processed by KIT in accordance with this privacy policy.

Are you interested?

Then become part of the DKFZ and join us in contributing to a life without cancer!

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DKFZ and KIT are convinced that innovative research and working environments thrive on the diversity of their 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.

We prefer to balance the number of employees (f/m/d). Therefore, we kindly ask female applicants to apply for this job.

Notice: We are subject to the regulations of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG). Therefore, all our employees must provide proof of immunity against measles.