The DKFZ Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 is currently accepting applications. Interested candidates are urged to visit here to learn more about this opportunity and to apply.
About DKFZ Postdoctoral Fellowships
Opportunity Details
Although there are other ways of becoming a Postdoc at our research center, the DKFZ Postdoctoral Fellowships represent the most prestigious and competitive Postdoc recruitment process at the DKFZ. It is intended to recruit highly talented and motivated young scientists, who wish to work at the forefront of cancer research in any of the basic or translational cancer research labs at the DKFZ.
This program offers up to 7 fellowships per year and provides interdisciplinary training and research opportunities in state-of-the-art research facilities for excellent young scientists, no longer than 2 years past graduation, with a background in biology as well as in physics, mathematics, bioinformatics, epidemiology and other research fields.
Benefits of DKFZ Postdoctoral Fellowships
- Competitive salary, negotiated and confirmed during the recruitment process
- Access to state-of-the-art research facilities
- Interdisciplinary training and research opportunities
- Opportunities to collaborate with leading experts in cancer research
- Support for a VISA application if needed
DKFZ Postdoctoral Fellowships Requirements
All applicants should qualify for the following requirements:
- Applicants must be eligible equivalent to a PhD or MD-PhD
- Should have a strong track record of research, evidenced by publications
- Candidates must be no more than two years post-PhD (or MD-PhD) at the time of application
- Applicants who submit their thesis by November 2025 are eligible to apply. The expected defense date is included in the letter of motivation.
- Fellowship is not available to internal DKFZ candidates unless they are recruited to DKFZ within six months before the application deadline.
You must prepare and submit these documents:
- One-page motivation letter (including a statement of research interests)
- List of preferred DKFZ labs/projects
- Curriculum vitae (including a list of publications)
- Copies of degree certificates (MD, PhD, Bachelor’s, and Master’s)
- Two letters of recommendation
Note: All documents must be in English
Application Date and Process
To apply for the DKFZ Postdoctoral Fellowship:
- Compile all required documents into a single PDF file.
- Upload the PDF document during the online application process through the DKFZ application portal.
- It is recommended to contact division heads and group leaders at DKFZ to discuss potential projects before submitting your application.
- Ensure all documents are in English and your motivation letter effectively communicates your passion for cancer research and your suitability for the fellowship.
Application Deadline
15 September, 2025
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DKFZ Postdoctoral Fellowships
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