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

The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg is Germany’s largest biomedical research institution. As a core partner in Helmholtz Imaging (HI), DKFZ is committed to advancing imaging science and technology across all scales, modalities, and scientific domains. The Support Unit at DKFZ plays a critical role in empowering scientists across Helmholtz and beyond by developing tailored AI solutions, providing out-of-the-box algorithms for cross-domain application, and advancing evaluation practices through benchmark design and metric development.

Responsibilities

• Managing and mentoring a multidisciplinary team of machine learning and image analysis experts
• Supporting research groups across the Helmholtz Association in the development and deployment of customized image analysis pipelines
• Overseeing the design and implementation of algorithmic solutions, from prototyping to deployment
• Supporting 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
• Working closely with HI and DKFZ leadership to shape strategy, identify emerging challenges in biomedical imaging, and ensure alignment of lab activities with institutional goals

Requirements

• Master’s degree and PhD in computer science, physics, maths, or a related discipline
• Doctoral thesis with a focus on fundamental or applied machine learning
• Several years of experience in applied machine learning and/or computer vision
• Proven expertise in developing AI-based and classical image analysis algorithms
• Proven experience in the development of open-source frameworks
• Strong track record in validation of medical imaging methods
• 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

Prior experience in annotation management and international experience would be favorable.

Benefits

• A leadership role within a dynamic, highly collaborative scientific environment
• The opportunity to work at the forefront of AI, contributing to real-world research challenges
• Close integration with leading imaging and machine learning initiatives through HI
• Access to cutting-edge infrastructure and computing resources
• An international workplace in one of Europe’s leading research hubs

Application deadline: August 15, 2025.