“Research for a life without cancer" is our mission at the German Cancer Research Center. We investigate how cancer develops, identify cancer risk factors and look for new cancer prevention strategies. We develop new methods with which tumors can be diagnosed more precisely and cancer patients can be treated more successfully. Every contribution counts – whether in research, administration or infrastructure. This is what makes our daily work so meaningful and exciting.

For a parental leave replacement, we are seeking for our Next Generation Sequencing Core Facility from October 2025 a

Bioinformatician / NextFlow Developer

Reference number: 2025-0204

• Heidelberg
• Full-time
• Next Generation Sequencing Core Facility

With a fleet of different Illumina and Oxford Nanopore instruments, the NGS Core Facility generates enormous amounts of high-throughput data each and every week. The sequencing results and the subsequent bioinformatic interpretation of the data will allow for targeted diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients throughout Germany in the near future.
To support the migration of our existing quality control (QC) pipeline to Nextflow on a high-performance computing (HPC) environment, we are seeking a bioinformatician/NextFlow developer starting in October 2025.

Your Tasks

• Analyze and understand the structure and dependencies of the current QC pipeline
• Refactor and implement the pipeline using NextFlow best practices
• Ensure compatibility with the HPC infrastructure
• Optimize resource allocation and job parallelization for efficient workflow execution
• Create comprehensive documentation and develop robust testing strategies for the new workflow

Your Profile

• University degree (master, preferable with doctorate) in bioinformatics, computational biology, medical informatics or a related field alternatively
• At least 3 years of professional experience
• Proficiency with NextFlow and containerization tools (Apptainer or Singularity)
• Strong scripting skills in Python and Bash
• Familiarity with version control like Git and GitLab
• Substantial experience using the Linux command line and utilities
• Ability to process large-scale, complex data sets
• Experience in handling and analyzing data from next generation sequencing platforms (e.g. Illumina, Oxford Nanopore) and using bioinformatic tools commonly used for QC (e.g. FastQC, MultiQC, bwa-mem, etc.)
• Basic knowledge in the field of genomics and biostatistics

You might also have:

• Familiarity with HPC environments and job schedulers (Slurm)
• Fluency in the English language

We Offer

• Excellent framework conditions: state-of-the-art equipment and oppor­tunities for inter­national networking at the highest level
• 30 days of vacation per year
• Flexible working hours
• Remuneration according to TV-L incl. occupational pension plan and capital-forming payments
• Possibility of mobile work and part-time work
• Family-friendly working environ­ment
• Sustainable travel to work: subsidized Germany job ticket
• Unleash your full potential: targeted offers for your personal develop­ment promote your talents
• Our Corporate Health Manage­ment Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being

Contact:
Dr. Angela Schulz
Phone: +49 6221 42-3408

The position is limited until 31.12.2026.

Application Deadline: 15.08.2025

Are you interested?

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

Apply now

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.

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Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum | Im Neuenheimer Feld 280 | 69120 Heidelberg | www.dkfz.de