Principal Investigator (f/m/d) - Translational Medicine for Pediatric Cancer

Job Details

Transforming discovery into new therapeutic options for children with cancer!

At St. Anna Children’s Cancer Research Institute (St. Anna CCRI), translational medicine is driven by a single purpose: turning scientific insight into tangible clinical impact for pediatric cancer patients. To further strengthen our portfolio in translational discovery and therapeutic development, we are seeking an outstanding Principal Investigator in Translational Medicine 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 establish and lead an innovative research program dedicated to the discovery, validation, and development of novel therapeutic strategies, with a strong focus on one or more key modalities, e.g. small molecules, drug repurposing, immunotherapies, or biologics, embedded in a broader translational ecosystem covering complementary approaches, within a uniquely integrated bench-to-bedside environment closely linked to precision oncology and early-phase clinical studies.

Key responsibilities

• Establish and lead a translational research program in pediatric cancer therapy: Develop innovative therapeutic strategies with a clear primary focus in a key therapeutic modality, e.g. small molecules, drug repurposing, immunotherapies, or biological therapeutics, while maintaining a strong openness for collaborative integration across complementary approaches.
• Drive discovery and therapeutic development: Lead target identification, mechanism-of-action studies, and compound screening efforts embedded in a translational pipeline.
• Translate discovery into clinical concepts: Integrate research findings with precision oncology initiatives to enable biomarker-informed and clinically relevant therapeutic strategies.
• Strengthen early-phase translational interfaces: Collaborate closely with the St. Anna CCRI Clinical Trials Unit, Statistics, and St. Anna Children’s Hospital to support robust preclinical-to-clinical translation.
• Build and lead a multidisciplinary research team: Recruit, mentor, and guide scientists while ensuring scientific rigor, reproducibility, and regulatory alignment.
• Ensure visibility, collaboration and sustainability: Secure competitive third-party funding, publish high-impact research, and represent St. Anna CCRI in international translational medicine networks and consortia.

Required Qualifications

• PhD or MD/PhD in biomedical sciences with demonstrated deep expertise in at least one therapeutic development modality (e.g. small molecules, biologics, immunotherapy), with the ability to position this expertise within broader translational strategies.
• Postdoctoral research experience, with a strong publication track record.
• Demonstrated experience in therapeutic development, including target identification, high-throughput or focused compound screening, and mechanism-of-action studies.
• Familiarity with 2D/3D model systems and relevant in vivo models (e.g., zebrafish, PDX or other preclinical tumor models).
• Proven success in securing competitive external funding and leading independent research.
• Experience working in interdisciplinary and collaborative environments, ideally with clinical or translational partners.
• Strong mentoring and leadership skills in supervising PhD Students, Postdocs, or scientific staff.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex scientific findings clearly and to work effectively within collaborative, interdisciplinary research environments.
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English.

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 technology platforms in genomics, imaging, proteomics, high-throughput screening, and advanced in vivo and ex vivo disease models, embedded in a strong translational ecosystem.
• Embedded collaborative ecosystem: Close interaction with clinicians, precision oncology initiatives, early-phase clinical trials, and interdisciplinary research groups across discovery and translational medicine.
• 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 dedicated to improving outcomes for children with cancer, 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. Senior Principal Investigators may be appointed on a rolling tenure basis, with regular evaluations every 5 years, reflecting the institute’s long-term strategic commitment to scientific leadership.