PhD Student (65 % TV-L E13) or Postdoctoral Researcher (100 % TV-L E13) (m/f/d)

Application deadline: 31/05/2026

The Institute of Clinical Genetics and Genomic Medicine at the University Hospital Würzburg (UKW) is inviting applications for either a PhD student or Postdoctoral Researcher in the field of clinical genetics implementation in personalized cancer care across Europe.

The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team contributing to the EU-funded Joint Action on Personalized Cancer Medicine (https://japcm.eu), a major European initiative involving 145 institutions from 29 countries. Within this initiative, our group leads the implementation pilot ‘Cancer Predisposition Syndrome (CPS) Compass’, which focuses on improving the identification of hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes and strengthening access to genetic diagnostics and counselling in oncology.

The pilot has two main objectives:

• Evaluate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of a genotype-first approach to cancer predisposition diagnostics in pediatric and adolescent/young adult patients; and
• Address barriers to timely genetic counselling through the implementation of recommended ‘Priority Strategies’ identified in the prior CAN.HEAL project (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41431-026-02015-y).

Both of the above activities will be conducted in collaboration with European partner organizations. This position offers the chance to contribute to an internationally visible project at the interface of clinical genetics, cancer medicine, implementation science, and health services research.

• An opportunity to contribute to a high-impact European initiative in personalized cancer medicine
  
• A dynamic, interdisciplinary and supportive research environment
  
• Excellent opportunities for scientific and professional development, and close collaboration with European partner institutions and networks.
  
• Flexible working hours and a family-friendly environment.

The successful candidate will contribute to the scientific development, implementation, and evaluation of the CPS Compass pilot. Tasks will include:

PhD Student

• Supporting project activities with European partner organizations
• Contributing to study design, implementation strategies, and evaluation concepts
• Supporting data collection, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination
• Preparing scientific manuscripts, reports, and presentations
• Developing new research questions and future project ideas emerging from the pilot

Postdoc

• Coordinating project activities with European partner organizations
• Contributing to study design, implementation strategies, and evaluation concepts
• Leading data collection, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination
• Preparing scientific manuscripts, reports, and presentations, as well as applications for further research funding
• Developing new research questions and future project ideas emerging from the pilot

The position is based in the Health Services Research Group led by Dr. J. Matt McCrary at the Institute of Clinical Genetics and Genomic Medicine, headed by Prof. Dr. med. Anke K. Bergmann. The successful candidate will work closely with geneticists, clinicians, biomedical researchers, and bioinformaticians in a strongly interdisciplinary setting.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a creative and collaborative mindset, excellent communication skills, and a strong interest in implementation-oriented research in clinical genetics and cancer care.

PhD Student

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent university degree) in biomedical science, public health, genetics, genetic counselling, or a related field.
• Strong interest in clinical genetics, personalized cancer medicine, implementation research, or related areas.
• The ability to work independently and reliably in an interdisciplinary team.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English.
• Enthusiasm for international collaboration.
• German language skills are a plus, but not required.

Postdoc

• A doctoral degree is required.
• Strong interest and experience in clinical genetics, personalized cancer medicine, implementation research, or related areas.
• The ability to work independently and reliably in an interdisciplinary team.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English, as evidenced by a track record of peer-reviewed publications and scientific conference presentations
• Experience in preparing applications for research funding.
• Enthusiasm for and ideally experience with international collaboration.
• German language skills are a plus, but not required.

Application

To apply, please submit the following information through the online submission system:

• A cover letter describing your motivation and qualifications,
• Your CV including a publication list where applicable,
• The names and contact details of two referees.

For informal inquiries, please contact:

J. Matt McCrary, PhD

Email: mccrary_m@ukw.de

Phone: +49 (0)178-689 9834

• Challenging, diverse and evolving area of responsibility
• Attractive salary according to TV-L incl. annual special payment
• Training and Continuing Education
• Retirement Pension Plan
• Company daycare center with extended opening hours
• Company sports program
• Flexible Working Hours
• JobBike
• Corporate Benefits