"Tenure Track Professor of Systems Biology of Cancer and Functional Therapeutics"

Kennzahl: KA-ONKO-2026-003641

Bewerbungsfrist: 19.03.2026

We are seeking an outstanding researcher with strong potential to establish an internationally visible and competitive research program in the field of systems biology of cancer in the university’s strategic focus area of cancer research. The emphasis is on developing tools and generating high-quality data through functional genetic screening approaches with the aim of enabling novel therapeutic strategies.

The position will be a joint appointment to the Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology and the Clinical Department of Oncology, both of which have an excellent track record in precision oncology. This integrated tenure track professorship will capitalize on a highly translational clinical precision oncology platform, providing an exceptional framework for applying systems-level approaches in molecular cancer research directly to patient-derived biospecimens. Genome-wide functional screening approaches are employed to uncover cancer-specific vulnerabilities and to identify previously unknown or unconventional therapeutic targets. Supported by the extensive research infrastructure established at the Medical University of Graz, including precision oncology infrastructure set up with the Institute of Human Genetics, the professorship will be reinforced by the interdisciplinary expertise and scientific and technical staff of both institutions as well as the University Comprehensive Cancer Center Graz. Access to a molecular tumor board, the large collection of human cancer specimens at Biobank Graz, established patient-derived organoid platforms, and in vivo model systems provide a strong foundation for innovative and impactful research. The collaborative local scientific community ensures access to extensive national and international academic and industrial networks.

The initial appointment is limited to six years. After the conclusion of a qualification agreement, the career advancement goal is to transfer to a tenured position as an associate professor (tenure track professor pursuant to § 99 para. 5 and 6 of the Universities Act). If the candidate demonstrates outstanding and remarkable achievements, the qualification agreement may be fulfilled more quickly.

Ihre Aufgaben in dieser Position beinhalten:

• Conducting cutting-edge research in the field of systems biology of cancer to enable novel therapeutic strategies with a focus on the molecular mechanisms of cancer cell survival
• Producing high-quality scientific publications in the field of molecular cancer research
• Leading an internationally recognized research group and acquiring third-party funding
• Networking through national and international research collaborations
• Teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, supervising diploma and doctoral students and mentoring and promoting young researchers
• Supporting scientific and public outreach in the research area

Für diese Position bringen Sie folgende Qualifikationen und Kenntnisse mit:

• PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in molecular biology or a related field
• Profound research expertise in the field of molecular cancer biology
• Proven experience in functional genetic screening approaches in the context of cancer, preferably cancer metabolism
• Proven track record of high-quality publications as the lead author
• Peer-reviewed research grants or other third-party funding as a lead or principal investigator
• Previous experience in teaching and/or (co)supervising pre- and postgraduate students
• Postdoctoral research abroad or at a different institution than where the PhD was completed
• High level of proficiency in both written and spoken English (equivalent to proficiency level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
• Within three years of employment: Proficiency in German sufficient for teaching at the Medical University of Graz and participating in university committees (equivalent to proficiency level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)

Idealerweise zählen zu Ihrem Profil:

• Experience in analyzing complex biological data sets
• Team player able to motivate colleagues and students
• Responsible work habits and problem-solving skills
• Empathy as well as communication and social skills
• Management and leadership skills
• Gender and diversity skills

Eintrittsdatum: 01.06.2026

befristet auf 6 Jahre

initially limited to 6 years, becoming a tenured position when the qualification agreement is met

Beschäftigungsausmaß: 100%

Einstufung in die Verwendungsgruppe A2 nach Kollektivvertrag für ArbeitnehmerInnen der Universitäten.

Application: The Medical University of Graz invites all applicants to submit their application online by March 19, 2026.

Please note that we can only consider complete applications that have been received by the application deadline. A list of the documents to be submitted can be found here.

Statutory information: The minimum remuneration is based on the collective agreement for university employees (KV § 49.2). Scheduled date for job interview: May 8, 2026 at the Medical University of Graz