Division Head in “Sports and Exercise in Oncology” (endowed by the Dietmar Hopp Foundation gGmbH)

Job description:

The new division will focus from a sport science perspective on the investigation of the preventive and therapeutic effects of physical activity and structured exercise interventions in oncology. The division will play a central role in the research ecosystem at DKFZ and Heidelberg by linking prevention research at the NCPC with clinical and translational research at the NCT and KiTZ. The division will closely collaborate with the DKFZ division of „Physical Activity, Cancer Prevention and Survivorship“ (Prof. K. Steindorf), as well as with other research, translational, and core units within the DKFZ, Heidelberg University, and Heidelberg University Hospital. A key component of the division’s activities will be the scientific supervision and further development of exercise-based research and service platforms, including the Hopp Training and Exercise Laboratories located at the NCPC.

The research program is expected to address topics such as the role of physical activity in primary cancer prevention, the development and evaluation of exercise interventions for cancer patients during and after therapy, personalized exercise approaches based on clinical, biological, and behavioral factors, the investigation of physiological and mechanistic pathways linking physical activity and cancer outcomes, as well as the development and evaluation of implementation strategies to translate evidence-based exercise interventions into clinical care and population-based prevention programs.

In addition to scientific research, the division head is expected to actively contribute to the transfer and societal implementation of research findings. This includes developing collaborations with partners from the sports and exercise sector, such as fitness centers, sports clubs, rehabilitation providers, and community-based organizations, in order to facilitate the dissemination and real-world implementation of evidence-based exercise programs for cancer prevention and survivorship.

Requirements:

• A PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in sport science, exercise science, sports medicine, or a related discipline
• High academic qualifications (habilitation) or equivalent academic qualifications
• An internationally recognized track record of excellence in exercise science, physical activity and health, and/or exercise oncology with relevance to cancer prevention, cancer therapy, and cancer survivorship
• Demonstrated leadership experience in setting up supportive networks within the advertised research area, e.g., with fitness studios, medical practices, or physiotherapy providers
• Demonstrated leadership experience and success in securing competitive external funding
• A commitment to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative research environment
• Evidence of effective and modern teaching and further education experience
• High level of academic commitment

We offer:

• A tenured 50% position at the level of a DKFZ Division Head (W3 remuneration equivalent);additional (50%) permanent position for the scientific leadership as a Section Head or similar appropriate status at W3-equivalent level will be established at the Heidelberg University Hospital
• Attractive core funding from DKFZ and the Heidelberg University Hospital and access to cutting-edge research facilities and resources as well as competitive internal funding opportunities of the DKFZ and the Helmholtz Association
• A highly supportive research environment at the DKFZ, the National Cancer Prevention Center (NCPC), the Hopp Children’s Tumor Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) and the wider scientific community, including Heidelberg University, as well as opportunities for national and international networking at the highest level
• Campus with modern, state-of-the-art infrastructure
• 30 days of vacation per year
• Possibility of mobile work and part-time work
• Family-friendly working environment
• Sustainable travel to work: subsidized Germany job ticket
• Administrative support for extramural grant application
• Our Corporate Health Management Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

• A cover letter detailing their research vision and leadership experience
• A curriculum vitae, including a complete list of publications and external funding
• A concise research plan for the first 5 years also including a summary of previous work, collaborations and wider outlook (maximum 5 pages)
• Contact information for at least three academic referees

Are you interested?

Then become part of the DKFZ and join us in contributing to a life without cancer!

Contact: Prof. Dr. med. Dr. h.c.Michael Baumann

Phone:+49 (0)6221/42-2850

Duration:The position is permanent.

Application Deadline:September 17, 2026

Applications by e-mail cannot be accepted.

Please also note that we cannot return applications submitted by post.

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.