Junior Group Leader in Mitochondrial Genome Heterogeneity in Cancer

We are seeking a motivated Junior Group Leader to join our team at the Mildred Scheel Career Center starting from the earliest possible date. The position is initially limited to 5 years.
The Mildred Scheel Career Center (Mildred-Scheel-Nachwuchszentrum MSNZ) Frankfurt-Marburg is a joint institution of the Faculty of Medicine of the Goethe University the University Medicine Frankfurt the University Cancer Center (UCT) Frankfurt-Marburg and the Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI). The MSNZ Frankfurt-Marburg is one of five sites in Germany funded by the German Cancer Aid within the framework of the research program Mildred-Scheel-Nachwuchszentren. The MSNZ offers an excellence program for Medical Scientists (scientists with a life science background or physicians working exclusively in science) aiming at a long-term perspective in university medicine with high scientific expectations. The MSNZ funds are intended for the scientists own position and for his or her own scientific projects to support the development into an independent group leader. More information can be found at .

Project description:

The MSNZ Frankfurt-Marburg and the Institute of Molecular Systems Medicine (Prof. Christian Münch) aim to strengthen their research activities in the field of translational cancer research. Integrated into the translational cancer research program of the Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI; ) the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and UCT Frankfurt-Marburg () the junior group will focus on the role of cancer-associated mitochondrial genome mutations in shaping protein and organellar quality control. Numerous omics technologies and preclinical models are available to support the junior group and can be included in the research proposal. Further support is provided by the technological platforms and staff scientists of the FCI (drug screening organoids animal models immunomonitoring) as well as the expertise of the UCT Biobank for patient samples and annotated clinical data.

• University degree and PhD or MD or MD-PhD in life sciences or a related field with outstanding scientific credentials and postdoc experience
• Strong expertise in disease-related cell biology obtained in national or international research institutions
• Publications in high-ranking international scientific journals
• Research expertise in one of the topics relevant for the mission of the FCI the UCT and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK)
• A competitive research proposal within the aims of the FCI the UCT and the DKTK. Please use the application form to submit your research proposal.
• Strong interest in promoting your own career and scientific independence
• High level of motivation and communication skills
• Due to legal regulations a valid proof of measles immunity / measles vaccination is required.

• In addition to an attractive salary based on acollective agreement (TV-GU) with an annual special payment you benefit from long-term security through company pension schemes
• Internal and external training for your professional development
• Funding for a PhD position and a budget for consumables
• Integration into the FCI the UCT and the DKTK
• Access to scientific infrastructure and established preclinical models
• Excellent basic research linked to translational and clinical aspects
• Participation in training and qualification programs of the MSNZ
• A diverse and challenging task in an outstanding scientific and international environment
• Excellent environment to establish an independent research group (5-year-funding with the possibility for a 2-year extension after positive evaluation).
• Benefit from our attractive health offers. We offer regular online and face-to-face courses on nutrition relaxation sports and exercise
• Part-time employment is possible we offer childcare in our daycare center (if you have any questions please contact UKF-Familienservice) child care during holidays
• Free public transport in all Hessen (Free State Ticket Hessen)
• Uniklinik-Campus Mensa Cafés
• Insights:Instagram YouTube LinkedIn
• FAQs for new employees

Contact: Prof. Dr. Christian Brandts and Dr. Tinka Haydn
Phone or Email: 069-6301 and069/6301-7251
Application Deadline: October 15 2025

For information on the Institute of Molecular Systems Medicine please checkhttps:// or contact Prof. Christian Münch (email: ).

We welcome applications from candidates of all genders. Women are currently underrepresented in these positions at Universitätsmedizin Frankfurt. Therefore applications from women are especially encouraged. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration in cases of equal personal and professional qualifications.