Postdoctoral Researcher - Biomedical Semantics, Ontologies, and Large Language Model Integration

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 Department of Radiooncology / Radiobiology is seeking, starting from September 15, a

Postdoctoral Researcher — Biomedical Semantics, Ontologies, and Large Language Model Integration

Reference number: 2026-0157

• Heidelberg
• Full-time
• Radiooncology / Radiobiology

Your Tasks

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join an interdisciplinary project at the intersection of biomedical informatics, semantic technologies, and large language models (LLMs). The position is embedded in the MIRO-LLMs initiative (Helmholtz Metadata Collaboration), which focuses on advancing machine-interpretable research objects through ontology-driven approaches and AI-assisted knowledge integration.

The successful candidate will contribute to the design and implementation of domain ontologies, knowledge graphs, and semantic data models that enable structured integration of biomedical research data with LLM-based systems. The role involves close collaboration with data scientists, clinicians, and AI researchers to ensure semantic interoperability, FAIR data principles, and robust metadata standards across heterogeneous datasets.

Key responsibilities include developing and maintaining ontologies using OWL/RDF, implementing semantic pipelines and APIs, integrating structured knowledge with LLM workflows, and contributing to research publications and open-source tools development.

Equivalent training will be provided to be up to date with our methodology.

Your Profile

• Master's degree in life sciences, computer science, mathematics, physics, or engineering with strong computational and data analysis skills
• A good knowledge of programming in Python, R, or similar
• Experienced with semantic web technologies such as SPARQL and RDF triple stores
• Experienced with graph databases and knowledge graphs for biomedical data integration
• A solid understanding of biomedical data contexts such as in preclinical and clinical trials, imaging, or omics
• Familiarity with data standards such as CDISC, FHIR, OMOP Common Data Model (CDM), and OBO ontologies is highly desirable
• Team player with good English proficiency

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 mobile work and 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

Contact:
Dr. Wahyu Wijaya Hadiwikarta
Phone: +49 6221/42-1692

The position is limited until December 12, 2027.

Application Deadline: August 18, 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.

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