Helmholtz Junior Research Group Leaders (f/m/d)
- Hiring date
- January 2026
- Time limit
- The contract will initially run for five years
- Trial period
- 6 months
- Payment
- E 15 TVöD Bund
- Application deadline
- 02/15/2025
The Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), a member of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres, invites applications for the positions of independent
Helmholtz Junior Research Group Leaders (f/m/d) (with tenure option)
in the broader field of infectious disease research and microbiology
for its Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI) in Würzburg
and the Institute for One Health (HIOH) in Greifswald
within the Helmholtz call for Helmholtz Investigator Groups
https://www.helmholtz.de/en/research/current-calls-for-applications/article/helmholtz-investigator-groups/
HZI is Germany’s largest academic institution dedicated exclusively to infection research. In line with its mission, it develops new strategies for the early detection, prevention and treatment of bacterial and viral infections. HZI is engaged with industry in the discovery and development of novel anti-infectives. As a member of the German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), HZI makes important contributions to translational infection research at the national and international levels.
Bavaria, with its strong scientific location in Würzburg, plays a leading role in RNA research. The Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI) in Würzburg is a federally funded research institution whose mission is world-class science at the interface of RNA biology & infection research. It performs basic research on the role RNA plays in microbes of the microbiome, viruses/phages, bacterial pathogens and infected mammalian hosts. The ultimate goal is to leverage the vast potential of RNA as a diagnostic, target and drug to combat infectious diseases, such as those caused by pandemic human viruses or multidrug-resistant bacteria. HIRI fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and offers state-of-the-art infrastructure and cutting-edge technologies such as CRISPR-based methodologies, single-cell analysis and RNA sequencing to visualize and interrogate infection processes. In addition, HIRI is working on future general solutions for RNA-based medicine that will open up new approaches in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of diseases beyond infections.
The Helmholtz Institute for One Health (HIOH) in Greifswald is dedicated to interdisciplinary research exploring the intricate connections between human, animal, and environmental health. Our mission is to advance understanding of past, present and future zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and pathogen evolution, laying the groundwork for effective pandemic prevention and control strategies.
A cornerstone of the research is the development of “One Health Observatories”, comprehensive platforms that integrate all aspects of One Health. These observatories encompass cohort studies, clinical and wildlife surveillance, environmental and climatic analyses, all seamlessly combined with state-of-the-art laboratory investigations. Located in regions of high biodiversity, environmental change, and significant human-animal interaction, the observatories include two tropical rainforest sites in sub-Saharan Africa and one in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany.
Tasks
A Junior research group associated with the HIOH would be appointed jointly with the HZI sites in Lower Saxony and would be expected to leverage the expertise of both the HIOH and collaborators at the other Helmholtz locations. Potential research topics may include, but are not limited to: Characterization of newly described pathogens with pandemic potential (bacteria and viruses), utilizing in vitro and ex vivo models; Immunological studies in highly exposed communities; Research on zoonotic eukaryotic parasites, neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), or fungal infections, particularly in a One Health context and including clinical aspects.
Working hours
39 hours per week
We offer:
Junior Research Groups will be funded for a period of 5 years. Funding covers the positions of the group leader, a postdoctoral scientist, a PhD student, a technician plus consumables and instrumentation. A junior professorship at Würzburg University or the University of Greifswald or Braunschweig/Hannover, respectively, is desirable. Based on a positive external review, a permanent position as group leader at the HZI will be offered to successful junior research group leaders.
Selected candidates can expect a vibrant scientific environment with much exchange between HZI’s research topics and access to excellent infrastructure and networks. We also offer outstanding leadership training at the Helmholtz Management Academy. The HZI provides a family-friendly environment. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and strive for professional equality between women and men. We therefore expressly welcome applications from qualified women for these positions. The position is suitable for part-time work.
In addition, our offer includes:
- An attractive and varied job in a future-oriented research institute with an international environment in Würzburg or Greifswald
- A state-of-the-art infrastructure and the latest technologies
- Flexible working hours, part-time models
- A corporate culture of appreciation and promotion of equal opportunities
- Extensive training and continuing education opportunities to develop professional knowledge and personal skills
- A family office to support family and career as well as childcare offers
- Interesting additional public service benefits
People with severe disabilities and equivalent professional qualifications who are suitable for the position are given preference. In order to protect your rights, we ask you to provide us with a clearly recognizable reference to the existence of a degree of severe disability in your cover letter or resume.
How to apply:
Applications, including a full CV, list of publications, a brief outline of future research interests (max. 2 pages), an outline on establishing EDI in your future lab (max half page), and the names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mails of three referees should be sent electronically in one document (PDF), quoting the reference number 004/2025, to the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research GmbH, Human Resources Department, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany or by e-mail.
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We look forward to receiving your application!
