Open Position as Head of Engineering and Support Unit at DKFZ. Join our team!

About the role

The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg is seeking a team lead for their Engineering and Support Unit. The position involves leading a team of machine learning and image analysis experts, supporting research groups in developing customized image analysis pipelines, and fostering collaborations with other institutions.

Responsibilities

• Managing and mentoring a multidisciplinary team of machine learning and image analysis experts
• Serving as a liaison between research groups and the broader DKFZ community
• Supporting research groups in the development and deployment of customized image analysis pipelines
• Overseeing the design and implementation of algorithmic solutions, from prototyping to deployment
• Ensuring the reproducibility and robustness of image analysis through benchmark design, metric development, and challenge organization
• Developing and maintaining open-source tools for image analysis and benchmarking
• Fostering close collaborations with scientific groups, platform partners (e.g., DESY, MDC), and core facilities
• Promoting open science, software sustainability, and knowledge sharing

Requirements

• A master’s degree and PhD in computer science, physics, mathematics, or a related field
• Several years of experience in applied machine learning and/or computer vision
• Proven expertise in developing AI-based and classical image analysis algorithms
• A strong track record in validation of medical imaging methods
• A solid track record in leading projects or teams, with excellent communication and coordination skills
• Experience in interdisciplinary collaboration
• Familiarity with software development best practices and open-source tool ecosystems

Qualifications

• Highly motivated and solution-oriented professional
• Strong technical background and leadership experience
• Experience in annotation management and international experience is a plus

Skills

• Technical proficiency in machine learning and computer vision
• Experience with open-source frameworks and tools
• Excellent communication and coordination skills
• Ability to foster interdisciplinary collaboration

Benefits

Close integration with leading imaging and machine learning initiatives through HIAccess to cutting-edge infrastructure and computing resourcesAn international workplace in one of Europe’s leading research hubs

Pay

TBD

Schedule

TBD

Application

Please submit a single PDF file including a cover letter addressed to Prof. Klaus Maier-Hein (Head Medical Image Computing, DKFZ and Helmholtz Imaging Center Coordinator) and Prof. Lena Maier-Hein (Head Intelligent Medical Systems, DKFZ and Helmholtz Imaging Center Coordinator), your curriculum vitae, list of publications or relevant project contributions, and contact details for at least two references. Applications must be submitted by August 15, 2025.