Postdoctoral Positions in Cancer Neuroscience, Organoids, and Brain Disorders at DKFZ and Heidelberg University
The Health + Life Science Alliance Interinstitutional Postdoc Program 2026 is now open for applications, offering highly competitive postdoctoral positions across leading institutions in Heidelberg and Mannheim, Germany, including the DKFZ German Cancer Research Center and Heidelberg University. This program supports innovative, independent research in one of Europe’s largest biomedical research hubs, with a focus on basic and translational research in cancer neuroscience, organoids, brain disorders, neurodevelopment, and cellular identity.
Successful candidates will benefit from joint supervision by two scientific mentors from different Alliance institutions. Notable collaborative projects include research on organoids and cellular identity in brain disorders (Moritz Mall, DKFZ × Ramsey Najm, University of Heidelberg) and cancer neuroscience focusing on neurodevelopmental pathways and plasticity in brain tumors (Frank Winkler, University Hospital Heidelberg × Moritz Mall, DKFZ).
Applicants should have strong training in molecular or cell biology, experience with in vivo mouse models, organoids, and/or functional genomics, and a clear interest in cellular identity, fate erosion, and plasticity in cancer or neurodegeneration. At least one first-author publication is required. The program is open to early-career scientists, including clinician scientists, who have not worked for more than four months as a postdoc at Alliance institutions supervising the selected or proposed project at the time of the deadline.
The Alliance provides funding for two-year postdoctoral positions, with clinician scientists receiving 12 months of funding over 24 months during specialist medical training. The program offers access to high-end technologies, state-of-the-art labs, and an excellent interdisciplinary scientific environment. The earliest start date is August 1, 2026, and the latest is January 1, 2027.
To apply, candidates must prepare a research project proposal and cover letter, attach a CV, publication list, PhD/MD certificate, and two reference letters as a single PDF, and contact at least two Alliance PIs for support letters. Applications must be submitted via the Alliance submission system by March 31, 2026 (5 pm CEST). For more details, visit the program website.
