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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.

The Division of Regulatory Genomics and Cancer Evolution (headed by Prof. Dr. Duncan Odom) is seeking for the next possible date a

Postdoctoral Researcher in Sex-Biased Cancer Development

Reference number: 2026-0001

Heidelberg – Full-time – Regulatory Genomics and Cancer Evolution

The Odom laboratory is an experimental genomics laboratory that investigates the basic genomic mechanisms underlying sex-biased organismal and cancer development. Our current scientific frontiers use powerful model systems to unravel the contributions of sex chromosomes and sex hormones to cancer, including the four-core genotype model that generates XX males and XY female individuals (Panten 2024). In parallel, we have developed in mice a highly controlled cancer induction system using chemical carcinogenesis, which complements and deeply enriches the large-scale patient cohorts characterized over the past decade. This approach has resulted in the discovery of how unrepaired DNA lesions persist after chemical insults, resulting in large-scale polarization of mutations in cancer genomes (Aitken 2020, Anderson 2024), as well as how genetic background shapes the trajectory of cancer evolution (Aitken 2025). We also repurpose technologies like microfluidics to better understand the molecular landscape of the earliest mitoses after mutagenesis (Ginno 2024).

YOUR TASKS

Our current research programs are focused on understanding the fundamental forces driving sex-specificity in tumorigenesis, organismal development, and spatial biology of the liver. To do so, we intersect large-scale genetic analysis utilizing experimental models with spatial and single-cell sequencing technologies to study mutagenesis and tumorigenesis. Our interests include the sex-specific molecular differences in the acquisition and maintenance of malignancies, the identification and classification of cellular populations and niches, and the development of both classical and AI/ML-based computational approaches to condense and interpret the full breadth of genetic and molecular changes associated with cancer inception.

Start your future with a cutting-edge postdoc position in Heidelberg, Germany.

YOUR PROFILE

Requirements:

• • Master’s degree (M.Sc.) and Ph.D. in molecular or cancer biology
• • A strong background in experimental design and execution, along with associated computational competence (Please note: This specific job is not suitable for purely computational scientists.)
• • Strong track record of scientific communication, as evidenced by publication history
• • Strong track record of collaborative work across discipline boundaries
• • Proficiency in spoken and written English
• • Evidence of collaborativity, creativity, and leadership

Knowledge within the following fields is a plus:

• • Large-scale sequencing technologies (whole genome, whole transcriptome, methylation, single-cell sequencing)
• • Spatial biology approaches and early-adoption of cutting-edge technologies
• • Operating with Linux and high-performance clusters (HPC)
• • R/Python and Snakemake or Nextflow (or comparable platforms)

OUR REFERENCES:

Panten, Jasper, et al. “Four Core Genotypes mice harbour a 3.2 MB XY translocation that perturbs Tlr7 dosage.” Nature Communications 15.1 (2024): 8814

Aitken, Sarah J., et al. “Pervasive lesion segregation shapes cancer genome evolution.” Nature 583.7815 (2020): 265-270

Anderson, Craig J., et al. “Strand-resolved mutagenicity of DNA damage and repair.” Nature 630.8017 (2024): 744-751

Aitken, Sarah J., et al. “Genetic background sets the trajectory of cancer evolution.” bioRxiv (2025): 2025-01

Ginno, Paul Adrian, et al. “Single-mitosis dissection of acute and chronic DNA mutagenesis and repair.” Nature Genetics 56.5 (2024): 913-924

Contact:
Lilla Pecori
Phone: +49 6221/42-4521

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

Application Deadline: 27.01.2026

Applications by e-mail cannot be accepted.
Please also note that we cannot return applications submitted by post.

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.

Do not overlook the inclusion of Academic Europe in your application.