MD-11
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 120; Flight Crew Total 13500; Flight Crew Type 4200
Physiological - Other
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Aircraft Equipment Problem Dissipated; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed
Aircraft
Seconds after takeoff from ZZZ we smelled a burning-rubber like odor. It was strong and acrid within seconds. Passing through 2;400 ft. we made the decision to level off at 3;000 ft. and put our O2 mask on. I instructed the jumpseater to don his mask as well. I advised ATC as the First Officer was pilot flying. I coordinated an air return to the same runway we took off from and asked the tower to call our dispatch to notify of the diversion. Approach and landing was normal. I had Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting approach and inspect the plane before taxiing back to the ramp. Our mask were on until that point; but the fumes had subsided. The First Officer; did an amazing job; and I am grateful to have had such a professional with me at the time. We were only airborne for a total of 8 minutes. For hours after the event; I was short of breath and felt chest discomfort; a slight headache and inability to process thought. I elected to get checked out at the company provided medical center close by; escorted by Assistant Chief Pilot and was released. I am still not feeling 'normal' but hope to be by tomorrow. I feel as though I definitely took in some of the fumes; although it also seems that it was not for very long as I got my O2 mask on so quickly.
After takeoff we had a strong burning smell. We advised ATC; leveled off at 3;000 ft. Donned O2 masks.   Remained VMC. Vectors for Runway XX. Same as departing runway.   Landing uneventful.
MD-11 flight crew reported smelling a 'burning-rubber' like odor immediately after takeoff resulting in a return to the departure airport.