Postdoctoral Researcher - Computational & Translational Analysis of Pulmonary Nodules

Postdoctoral Researcher - Computational & Translational Analysis of Pulmonary Nodules

Reference number : 2026-0013

Heidelberg

Full-time

Computational and Molecular Prevention

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 Computational and Molecular Prevention (headed by Prof. Dr. Filimon Goncalves) is seeking for the next possible date a

The Division of Computational and Molecular Prevention of the DKFZ, in collaboration with the Translational Molecular Imaging in Oncologic Therapy Monitoring Unit, invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to join an interdisciplinary research program within the PRELUNG study, focusing on early lung cancer detection and biological characterization of pulmonary nodules.

Pulmonary nodules from hundreds of patients are being collected and biopsied as part of a prospective imaging study. Up to 40 FFPE biopsy samples will be analyzed using spatial transcriptomics and mutREAD DNA sequencing, enabling integrative analysis of spatial gene expression, tissue architecture, and genomic alterations at early stages of lung carcinogenesis.

Your Tasks

Scientific & Computational Responsibilities :

• Lead unbiased, data-driven integration of :
• Spatial transcriptomics data
• Genomic alteration profiles (copy number alterations, SNVs)
• Histopathological diagnoses and clinical metadata
• Radiomic features (in collaboration with imaging specialists)
• Perform unsupervised clustering and pattern discovery without predefined diagnostic labels
• Interpret molecular and microenvironmental states of benign, premalignant, and malignant pulmonary nodules
• Identify and prioritize biomarkers for :
• Liquid biopsy development
• PET tracer target discovery
• Contribute to validation strategies (e.g. immunohistochemistry) in collaboration with pathologists
• Lead the preparation of high-impact, interdisciplinary publications

Translational & Collaborative Responsibilities :

Patient Engagement & Return-of-Data Work Package :

Your Profile

Excellent communication skills across diverse audiences (patients, clinicians, computational scientists)

Applicants are encouraged to highlight concrete evidence of these skills (e.g. patient-facing research, public engagement, teaching, facilitation, or interdisciplinary leadership).

Application :

Interested applicants should submit the following documents via our online application tool :