Division Head in Cancer Early Detection Imaging

The new division will establish a pioneering research program to develop, validate, and translate low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) approaches for cancer early detection. The division will contribute to a paradigm shift from conventional high-field, disease-oriented diagnostic imaging toward cost-efficient, high-throughput, AI-supported detection of early and even preclinical cancer warning signals. This research will be embedded in an environment allowing also other imaging modalities like CT and ultrasound as well as in broader collaborative efforts in cancer early detection, biomarker research, and cancer epidemiology.

The advertised position is strategically embedded in the research topic "Imaging, Radiooncology, and Oncoengineering" and the expansion of the National Cancer Prevention Center (NCPC) – a forward-looking joint initiative of the DKFZ and the German Cancer Aid (Deutsche Krebshilfe). The NCPC is currently being established for the systematic strengthening of evidence-based cancer prevention in research, application, and transfer to society. Under one roof, multidisciplinary divisions from epidemiology, public health, molecular prevention, exercise, and nutrition will work closely together to develop innovative prevention measures, evaluate them scientifically, and disseminate them nationwide.

Job description:

The new division will develop innovative low-field MRI methods for cancer early detection, combining clinical radiology, prospective early detection studies, and AI-based image and raw data analysis. It will work closely with the DKFZ Divisions of Radiology, Medical Physics in Radiology, Medical Image Computing, and Clinical Epidemiology of Early Cancer Detection, integrating clinical imaging expertise with MRI technology development, quantitative image analysis, artificial intelligence, and early detection epidemiology.

Embedded in the DKFZ and Heidelberg research ecosystem, the division will connect prevention research at the NCPC with clinical and translational imaging research at the NCT and DKTK. Its research program will focus on standardized, rapid, scalable, and cost-efficient low-field MRI workflows; prospective validation in healthy individuals, risk-adapted cohorts, and cancer patients; and AI-based detection of early cancer warning signals, including approaches using MRI raw data before image reconstruction.

Collaboration with industry partners in imaging technology, together with DKFZ innovation management, will be an important element in translating the low-field MRI platform into scalable solutions with societal impact, including a clear perspective toward product development and real-world implementation.

The division head will provide scientific and clinical leadership for this interdisciplinary research program and support the translation of validated methods into safe, accessible, and evidence-based early detection pathways, including their health-economic evaluation and implementation across NCPC satellite sites.

Requirements:

• A medical doctoral degree (e.g., MD or MD/PhD), board certification in radiology, with German approval to practice as a physician (Approbation), and clinical experience as a diagnostic radiologist after board exam, including approval for MR imaging, are mandatory
• Significant expertise in human cancer imaging is required, particularly MRI, but also in other relevant radiodiagnostic methods such as CT and ultrasound
• Habilitation or an equivalent academic qualification is also expected
• An outstanding scientific track record
• High interest in focussing research on early cancer prevention imaging, embedded in broader research on early cancer detection
• Demonstrated leadership experience and success in securing competitive external funding
• A commitment to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative research environment, team science
• Evidence of effective and modern teaching and further education experience
• High level of academic commitment

We offer:

• A tenured position at the level of a DKFZ Division Head (W3 remuneration equivalent).
• Attractive core funding and access to cutting-edge research facilities and resources as well as competitive internal funding opportunities of the DKFZ and the Helmholtz Association.
• A highly supportive research environment at the DKFZ, the National Cancer Prevention Center (NCPC), the Hopp Children’s Tumor Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) and the wider scientific community, including Heidelberg University, as well as opportunities for national and international networking at the highest level
• Campus with modern, state-of-the-art infrastructure
• 30 days of vacation per year
• Possibility of mobile work and part-time work
• Family-friendly working environment, e.g., parent-child room and advisory services
• Sustainable travel to work: subsidized Germany job ticket
• Administrative support for extramural grant application
• Our Corporate Health Management Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

• A cover letter detailing their research vision and leadership experience
• A curriculum vitae, including a complete list of publications and external funding as well as certificates
• A concise research plan for the first 5 years also including a summary of previous work, collaborations, and wider outlook (maximum 5 pages)
• Contact information for at least three academic referees

Are you interested?

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