Postdoctoral Researcher in Sex-Biased Cancer Development

Postdoctoral Researcher in Sex-Biased Cancer Development

Reference number : 2026-0001

Heidelberg

Full-time

Regulatory Genomics and Cancer Evolution

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

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 :

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

We Offer

Excellent framework conditions : state-of-the-art equipment and opportunities for international networking at the highest level

Remuneration according to TV-L incl. occupational pension plan and capital-forming payments

30 days of vacation per year

Flexible working hours

Possibility of part-time work

Family-friendly working environment

Sustainable travel to work : subsidized Germany job ticket

Our Corporate Health Management Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being

Develop your full potential : access to the DKFZ International Postdoc Program and DKFZ Career Service with targeted offers for your personal development to further develop your talents