Principal Investigator (f/m/d) – Innovative Zebrafish Models for Pediatric Cancer

Job Details

Unlocking functional insights to accelerate precision therapies for children with cancer!

At St. Anna Children’s Cancer Research Institute (St. Anna CCRI), innovative disease models play a critical role in translating molecular discoveries into effective treatments. To further strengthen our capabilities in pediatric cancer modeling and functional genomics, we are seeking an outstanding Principal Investigator in Zebrafish Models for Pediatric Cancer. This position is open to candidates at different career stages – from emerging group leaders to experienced Principal Investigators.

In this role, you will develop and lead a highly innovative zebrafish research program with a strong translational focus, bridging unmet clinical needs in pediatric oncology with functional insights derived from zebrafish models. Your work will directly contribute to accelerating therapeutic innovation and improving outcomes for young patients.

A central objective of this position is to expand and advance our established zebrafish-based xenograft and drug-screening approaches. This work builds on an exceptional foundation: a well-established zebrafish facility with a highly experienced core unit team, and the ZANDR drug-screening platform.

Key responsibilities

• Lead a zebrafish research program for pediatric cancer: Build and develop an innovative program focused on functional disease modeling and translational applications.
• Operate an institutional zebrafish platform: Scientifically contribute to and strategically shape an established zebrafish and drug‑screening core unit infrastructure.
• Integrate functional modeling into translational pipelines: Implement zebrafish workflows tightly linked to St. Anna CCRI’s precision oncology program, the biobank, and translational research pipelines.
• Drive ambitious, translational research: Design and execute rigorous, reproducible research projects with clear relevance to pediatric cancer biology and therapy.
• Build and lead a multidisciplinary team: Recruit, train, mentor, and supervise scientific and technical staff while ensuring high operational and quality standards.
• Ensure visibility, collaboration and sustainability: Secure competitive third‑party funding, publish impactful research, and represent St. Anna CCRI in international research networks and consortia.

Required Qualifications

• PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent degree in biomedical sciences or a related field.
• Postdoctoral research experience, with an internationally competitive scientific track record in zebrafish oncology, developmental biology, in vivo functional genomics, or related disciplines.
• Proven expertise in advanced zebrafish technologies, including: high‑throughput functional assays, automated or high‑resolution imaging, CRISPR/Cas genome editing, xenotransplantation and patient‑derived in vivo models
• Experience in managing a research platform or core unit is a strong asset.
• Demonstrated success in securing competitive funding, leading independent research programs, and publishing in high‑impact journals.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills with the ability to build and guide a multidisciplinary team.
• Strategic, collaborative mindset with a clear motivation to drive translational research aligned with St. Anna CCRI’s precision oncology mission.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively across scientific, clinical, and technical teams.
• Ability to thrive in an international and diverse research environment; fluency in English is required.

Our offer

• Internal funding & strong institutional commitment: Competitive core budget and comprehensive start-up resources including dedicated laboratory space, access to core equipment, and support in building and scaling your independent research team.
• Access to cutting‑edge research infrastructure: State‑of‑the‑art platforms in genomics, imaging, proteomics, high‑throughput screening, and advanced in vivo model systems integrated across the institute.
• Embedded collaborative ecosystem: Close interaction with clinicians, precision oncology initiatives, the biobank, and interdisciplinary research groups within a highly translational environment.
• Professional grant support: Institutional assistance with proposal development and professional grant management.
• Attractive employment conditions, culture & location: Flexible working arrangements, tailored onboarding support for international researchers, and a diverse, mission‑driven culture, based in Vienna, offering outstanding quality of life and a strong biomedical ecosystem.
• Compensation: The minimum annual gross salary for this position is € 78.000.- (all in), with the possibility of higher compensation depending on qualifications and experience.
• Contract terms: Appointment terms will be aligned with the candidate’s career stage: Starting Principal Investigators will be offered a 5‑year appointment with the possibility of a further 4‑year extension following positive evaluation, while Senior Principal Investigators may be appointed on a rolling tenure basis with regular evaluations every 5 years, reflecting the institute’s long‑term commitment to scientific leadership.