Student Assistant; max

Policy and Implementation Research for Cancer Prevention

The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) is one of Europe’s largest cancer research centers. “Research for a life without cancer" is the mission of our world-class scientists and all our team members.

We investigate how cancer develops, identify cancer risk factors and search 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.

Our Department of Policy and Implementation Research for Cancer Prevention conducts studies to close the gap between evidence and policy. The mission of the department is to accelerate the uptake of evidence into policy and practice in the field of cancer prevention. Through cutting‑edge research and transdisciplinary collaborations, the division strives to improve public health outcomes by ensuring that evidence‑based interventions are effectively delivered to all populations.

To support research involving systematic collection, organisation, and analysis of policy documents and related data, we are seeking, as of September 2026, a detail‑oriented student. The student will work in a dynamic team of researchers in Heidelberg and Mannheim.

• Source mapping and sourcing of publicly available documents, with support for snowballing where necessary
• Document inventory and extraction
  : set up a structured system to catalogue policy, planning, regulatory and related documents/literature and to extract relevant information consistently across multiple sources and levels
• Structured overview
  : organize extracted information into a clear, structured overview across sources and administrative levels
• Quality and validation checking
  : validate extracted data, cross‑reference sources, and verify consistency and completeness
• Analysis and dissemination
  : contribute to synthesising results, written outputs, and other dissemination and community engagement efforts

• Enrolled at a university or college for the duration of the position/activity (master’s level preferred; bachelor’s program from the 3rd semester with relevant experience)
• Experience with mixed methods research, policy analysis, or evidence synthesis via document reviews, systematic or scoping reviews, etc.
• A possibility to do your master’s thesis on this topic (if interested)
• Willing to work onsite across Heidelberg and Mannheim, with specific arrangements agreed beforehand (and some field visits)
• High proficiency in German and English is necessary for this position
• Careful, reliable and independent work
• Interest in public health research

• Excellent framework conditions: state‑of‑the‑art equipment and opportunities for international networking at the highest level
• Access to international research networks

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

Contact:
Dr. Sisay Alemu
Phone: +49(0)6221/42-1411

Duration: The position is limited to 1 year.

Final date to receive applications: July 21, 2026

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.