„Research for a life without cancer“ is our mission at the German Cancer Research Center. We investigate how cancer develops, identify cancer risk factors and look 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.
The Division of Digital Prevention, Diagnostics and Therapy Guidance is seeking for the next possible date a Psychologist (PhD Position) for AI-Driven Cancer Prevention Campaigns.
Reference number: 2024-0376
The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) is a global leader in biomedical research, combining innovation in AI, psychology, and oncology to tackle complex health challenges. Join us to redefine how we communicate and prevent cancer in the digital age.
The main goal of the division is the development of robust and interpretable digital tools to improve prevention, non-invasive early detection, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches. A 20-member, almost fully externally funded team from the fields of medicine, molecular biology and informatics/data science focuses on identifying relevant patterns in patient data and increasing the explainability and robustness of deep learning-based classifications. We see software systems as part of clinical teams for more efficient patient care and at the same time as a tool for effective prevention and early detection. In the past (since 2020), we have achieved much-noticed scientific success in these areas; our more than 80 internationally peer-reviewed research papers have been cited more than 5,000 times and numerous project results have been picked up by international media. Software products or apps from our working group have been downloaded more than a million times.
Seven recently approved grants include the MiRisk consortium (1) which develops a free app to individually determine and minimize the risk for breast cancer. Within the BAP-1-consortium (2), we share & extend our expertise in building histology image pipelines to stratify patients for drug development. The Hector grant (3) enables us to integrate spatial transcriptomics for deep-learning-based heterogeneity scores to predict melanoma metastasis. The sKIn project (4) takes the remaining technical and formal steps to build our dermatologist-like skin cancer AI into dermatoscopes together with a company, bringing them into the hands of caregivers. MELCAYA (5) identifies new risk factors for melanoma in CAYAs. A deep learning strategy for high-throughput proteomics (6) allows higher resolution and faster processing of liquid biopsies. A signed collaboration with industry will lead to more individualized sunscreen recommendations based on epigenetic tests read from smartphone photographs via AI. Improved digital analysis of sarcomas (7), the interaction of language models and care, explainable AI algorithms for cancer screening and the optimization of the Sunface & Smokerface App also depict future plans of the group.
We are seeking a creative and research-driven psychologist to join our interdisciplinary team in advancing cancer prevention through digital communication. This fully funded PhD position focuses on the development and evaluation of AI-generated virtual influencers designed to promote cancer prevention messages on social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
In this position, you will have the opportunity to:
- Develop AI-Generated Virtual Personalities: Design and create virtual influencers tailored to specific audiences, focusing on engagement and credibility in delivering cancer prevention messages
- Conduct Digital Health Campaigns: Utilize social media platforms to disseminate evidence-based information on modifiable cancer risk factors, such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet, sun exposure, alcohol consumption, and HPV infection
- Measure Campaign Effectiveness: Analyze audience engagement, campaign reach, demographic impact, and cost-effectiveness to assess the success of virtual influencers in changing health behaviors
- Advance Research in Health Communication: Investigate psychological factors such as parasocial relationships, audience trust, and content perception in response to AI-generated influencers
Key Responsibilities:
- Design and implement AI-driven & generated social media campaigns targeting cancer prevention as a primary topic, but also cardiovascular health / heart disease prevention
- Collaborate with experts in AI, oncology, cardiology and public health to ensure evidence-based and ethical messaging
- Conduct quantitative and qualitative research to evaluate the psychological and behavioral impact of the campaigns
- Publish research findings in high-impact academic journals and present at international conferences
- Master's degree in psychology, communication sciences, or a related field
- Strong interest in digital health communication, social media research, and health psychology
- Familiarity with statistical analysis, research design, and social media metrics
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- Experience with AI tools or digital campaign creation is a plus but not required
- Good knowledge of Englisch; knowledge of German is not required
Please submit your application, including a CV, cover letter, and academic transcripts, via our online portal.
- Excellent framework conditions: state-of-the-art equipment and opportunities for international networking at the highest level
- Access to international research networks
- Doctoral salary with the usual social benefits
- 30 days of vacation per year
- Flexible working hours
- Possibility of mobile work and part-time work
- Family-friendly working environment
- Sustainable travel to work: subsidized Germany job ticket
- Unleash your full potential: targeted training and mentoring through the DKFZ International PhD Program and DKFZ Career Service
- Our Corporate Health Management Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being
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