Research for a life without cancer is our mission atthe German Cancer Research Center. We investigate how cancerdevelops, identify cancer risk factors and look for new cancerprevention strategies. We develop new methods with which tumors canbe diagnosed more precisely and cancer patients can be treated moresuccessfully. Every contribution counts whether in research,administration or infrastructure. This is what makes our daily workso meaningful and exciting. The Division of Scientific Board isseeking as soon as possible a Division Head in Pediatric CancerDrug Discovery. Reference number: 2025 0078 The German CancerResearch Center (DKFZ) welcomes applications for a tenured positionas Division Head in Pediatric Cancer Drug Discovery. This positionoffers a unique opportunity to lead a pioneering research programaimed at developing innovative therapies for childhood cancers,which present distinct biological challenges and limited commercialincentives due to small patient populations and thus market sizes.Academic drug discovery thereby is key to address this unmetmedical need and advance treatment options for children withcancer. The DKFZ division will be embedded within the HoppChildren''s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ,https://www.kitz heidelberg.de/en/), the leading pediatric oncologyresearch center in Germany that integrates cutting edge basic,translational, and clinical research and will be part of one of theDKFZ''s research programs. The new division will conductcutting edge, translational drug discovery research, with potentialfocus areas including: Functional and preclinical validation oftargets associated with pediatric cancers including targets thatare currently considered undruggable (e.g. fusion oncoproteins thatare commonly driving pediatric cancers) Development andimplementation of the drug discovery strategy most suitable for thetarget(s) concerned, involving the development of small moleculeinhibitors (incl. PROTACs & glue like degraders) or antibodiesand including potential delivery needs (e.g. CNS penetration). Utilization of AI driven methods and advanced predictive models fortarget identification, drug discovery, response prediction, andleveraging computational tools and large scale omics and structuraldata to prioritize and optimize therapeutic candidates. Screeningcaigns based on computational in silico predictions and hit andlead optimization programs for pediatric cancers Aufgaben Leadand develop a research program focused on pediatric cancer drugdiscovery, with a strong emphasis on translational applications. Secure competitive external funding and develop high impact,multidisciplinary research projects. Foster collaborations withacademic, clinical, and industry partners within DKFZ, KiTZ, DKTK,and NCT. Supervise and mentor a diverse team of scientists,including postdoctoral fellows and graduate students from differentdisciplines. The successful candidate will benefit from access tothe state of the art i