Application

Within the Mildred Scheel School of Oncology ABCD, young scientists receive a cross-disciplinary structured training program in translational cancer research under excellent research conditions. Junior researchers conduct top-notch research, guided by dedicated and supportive research group leaders, at different stages of their career, ranging from doctoral students to postdocs to group leaders gaining scientific independence over time.

Curiosity, creativity and diversity are key to our program philosophy. If you share these values, are enthusiastic and passionate for interdisciplinary science and translational oncology and would like to contribute your ideas and scientific talent to our projects, then we are looking forward to receiving your application!

Application and selection process

We seek applications from talented young scientists who are curious by nature and strive for new solutions under our research mission. Successful candidates are highly ambitious and eager to shape the future of translational oncology. They also possess the ability to thrive in a highly competitive, interdisciplinary environment.

We will apply strict and transparent scientific excellence criteria for the selection of our fellows. An obligate criterion for inclusion into the program is a truly excellent prior academic performance, scientific experience and / or future potential. In the case of young medical staff, the previous clinical performance is evaluated, as well. This ensures the recruitment of only the most qualified candidates in a fair and transparent manner.

We strive to specifically include female fellows into our program and aim for an equal gender distribution. Our consortium provides a family-friendly environment and we have implemented specific measures to enhance our attractiveness specifically for female physicians aiming at a career as a physician scientist.

For all MSSO programs, the application includes a detailed project description, which is thematically coherent with the focus areas of the MSSO, a letter of motivation and a detailed CV. For application details on the different MSSO programs, please see below.

MD Research Stipends

The guaranteed clinical leave of 12 months ensures that exceptionally qualified MD students can devote their time towards a translational research project while pursuing a Dr. med. degree.

As a selected MSSO MD student, you will conduct part of your MD thesis work in one of our research groups and chose a hosting laboratory (medical faculty or faculty of natural sciences), or a hosting study group. Lectures, seminars and courses will be part of the laboratory rotation and students are encouraged to actively contribute to our diverse range of research programs.

 

 

 

How to apply for the MD Student Research Program

If you are interested in our MD student program, please fill out the required application form and return it to our coordination office.

 

 

Eligibility:

MD students enrolled at the Universities of Cologne or Bonn, who are registered for a Dr. med. degree.

Candidates must have passed the Physikum with a grade of 2.0 or better.

Funding details:

The fellows will receive a monthly stipend of 1.000,-€.

10 scholarships p.a. for translational oncology projects in our laboratories in Cologne and Bonn will be awarded.

  • Please fill in your personal information Including two academic references (names and contact data) 

  • Letter of interest 
    Personal statement, describing why you are interested in participating in the MSSO program,  including your future scientific career goals 

  • Curriculum vitae
    Personal data Individual achievements (e.g. awards, invited lectures, publications, memberships)

  • High school certificate

  • University degree certificates and academic record
    Medical degree certificate, records of experimental research experience, academic record 

  • Project proposal in coordination with your supervising PI (maximum 3 pages)

    • short introduction to the state of the field (background)
    • specific aim(s) of the project or working hypothesis - description of the experimental strategy or working plan
    • literature (as appendix)

  • Letter of recommendation from your supervisor

Postgraduates

The MSSO postgraduate program takes advantage of the wide range of oncological expertise, with the opportunity to gain the degree of Dr. nat. med. in Cologne. In Bonn candidates can be enrolled in the PhD-program of the Medical Faculty (e.g. MD/PhD). It involves an extended period of intensive research and scientific training, is flanked by a unique and flexible curriculum and accompanied by seminars and courses in related topics, workshops, lecture series, as well as career development opportunities.

Since the degree of Dr. nat. med. / PhD in Cologne is conveyed by the Interdisciplinary Program Molecular Medicine (IPMM) or by the Medical Faculty in Bonn respectively, in addition to the official online application you will have to fill out the application forms below.

 

The Application for Bonn is now CLOSED.

The Application for Cologne is now CLOSED.

Eligibility:

The MSSO postdoc program (physician scientists and medical scientists) is open to applicants holding a doctoral degree in an appropriate subject, with at least “magna cum laude“ (Dr. med., Dr. rer. nat., PhD or equivalent).

Previous lab research experience is required.

We expect an excellent publication record.

Funding details:

Canditates will be employed under a limited-time contract of 2.5 years with a salary based on on TV-L / TV-Ä.

10 postdoc researchers or clinician scientists (f/m/d) in the fields of cancer genomics, computational biology, tumor immunology and structure-based drug design located in our laboratories in Cologne and Bonn.

  • Please fill in your personal information Including two academic references (names and contact data) 

  • Letter of interest 
    Personal statement, describing why you are interested in participating in the MSSO program,  including your future scientific career goals 

  • Curriculum vitae
    Personal data Individual achievements (e.g. awards, invited lectures, publications, memberships)

  • High school certificate

  • University degree certificates and academic record
    Medical degree certificate, records of experimental research experience, academic record 

  • Project proposal in coordination with your supervising PI (maximum 5 pages)

    • short introduction to the state of the field (background)
    • specific aim(s) of the project or working hypothesis - description of the experimental strategy or working plan
    • literature (as appendix)

  • Letter of recommendation from your supervisor

Junior Research Groups

The junior research groups are an excellent opportunity for a new generation of translational cancer researchers. 

Start an independent research group. The MSSO offers young scientists a creative and inspiring work environment within the field of translational cancer research. The program is accompanied by advanced training in specific areas to actively consolidate the new group including, for example courses in team management, further instruction on obtaining funding, mentoring from more experienced scientists and regular and intensive interactions and discussions with other junior group leaders and senior PIs.

 

Applications are CLOSED

Eligibility:

Candidates must hold a PhD and/or MD degree with international academic experience.

A strong record of creative, innovative research, a high potential for establishing a rigorous and substantial independent research program is mandatory.

An excellent scientific track record and a strong publication record in the fields of cancer genomics, computational biology, tumour immunology and structure-based drug design.

Interest in working in an interdisciplinary team and to establish fruitful collaborations at the interface of different research institutes and research groups.

Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills.

A proven record in applying for third-party research funds is desired.

Funding details:

Junior Group Leader (f/m/d) in the fields of cancer genomics, computational biology, tumour immunology and structure-based drug design will be employed under a limited-time contract of 4 years with a salary based on on TV-L / TV-Ä.

Opportunity to qualify for a W2 tenure-track program in Cologne and Bonn.

The junior group will be awarded €500,000 by the MSSO, as well as €250,000 by the medical faculty of the partner sites.

  • Please fill in your personal information
    Including two academic references (names and contact data) 

  • Letter of interest
    Personal statement, describing why you are interested in participating in the MSSO program, including your future scientific career goals

  • Curriculum vitae
    Personal data
    Individual achievements (e.g. awards, invited lectures, publications, memberships)

  • High school certificate

  • University degree certificates and academic record, publication record
    Medical degree certificate, records of experimental research experience, academic record

  • Project proposal (maximum 5 pages)

    • short introduction to the state of the field (background)
    • specific aim(s) of the project or working hypothesis - description of the experimental strategy or working plan
    • literature (as appendix)