Psychologist (PhD Position) for AI-Driven Cancer Prevention Campaigns

„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.

Your Tasks:

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.

Your Profile:

• 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 English; knowledge of German is not required.

Please submit your application, including a CV, cover letter, and academic transcripts, via our online portal.

We Offer:

• 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.

Contact:
Dr. Titus Brinker
Phone: 0151 75084347

The position is initially limited to 3 years.

Are you interested?

Then become part of the DKFZ and join us in contributing to a life without cancer!

Apply now

We are convinced that an innovative research and working environment thrives on the diversity of its employees. Therefore, we welcome applications from talented people, regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical ability, religion and age. People with severe disabilities are given preference if they have the same aptitude.

Notice: We are subject to the regulations of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG). Therefore, all our employees must provide proof of immunity against measles.

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Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum | Im Neuenheimer Feld 280 | 69120 Heidelberg | www.dkfz.de