HZI researchers talk in the lab

Clinician-Scientists (m/f/d) in the field of infection research

Reference number: Clinician-Scientists
Hiring date
As soon as possible, 2025
Time limit
Initially limited to three years
Payment
Physician tarif Ä1 with up to 49% research and at least 51% clinical tasks
Application deadline
01/05/2025

The HZI in cooperation with the PRACTIS Clinician Scientists Programme of the MHH, offers positions for clinician-scientists.

HZI is Germany’s largest academic institution dedicated to infection research. It is a member of the Helmholtz Association, Germany’s largest research organization, and a member of the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF). In the newly established HUMAN program, we cooperate with our regional university partners, the Technische Universität Braunschweig, the Hannover Medical School (MHH) and the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover. 

For the newly established HUMAN program, we seek exceptional professionals to join us on our journey to understand the complex interplay of humans and microbes in the fight against infectious diseases.  We are recruiting clinician scientists with a focus on infection biology to tackle patient-oriented questions and pioneer solutions for human infection resilience and health of tomorrow and that are committed to research excellence, translation, and DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion). 

 

About HUMAN: 

HUMAN is funded by the Volkswagen Foundation and the Ministry of Science and Culture of Lower Saxony. The program is based on an integrative approach that applies novel technologies, systems biology, medical/life sciences and informatics to understand, predict and therapeutically influence the mechanisms underlying health and disease. 

The HUMAN program is linked to and benefits from the BMBF-funded Microbial Stargazing (MICROSTAR) program. MICROSTAR focuses on microbes, their effector mechanisms and their adaptation strategies in competition with other organisms. Together, HUMAN-MICROSTAR applies a holistic and comprehensive approach that has the potential to provide groundbreaking insights and new solutions for human health in the context of its microbial environment. More details here: www.helmholtz-hzi.de/human-microstar. 

 

About PRACTIS:

The PRACTIS clinician scientists program of the MHH offers physicians in specialist training a unique opportunity to combine clinical practice with rigorous research. With dedicated research time, financial support, and a supportive mentorship network, participants can develop the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful academic career. Click here for more information: https://www.clinician-scientist.de/practis-struktur/ 

Tasks

Through the PRACTIS program, physicians in specialist training can be admitted for a period of three years. Eighteen months are dedicated to clinical work and eighteen months to research. The program offers structured clinical and scientific training over three years, based on an individually developed career plan. 

Prerequisites

You are a highly qualified clinician scientists, ideally in your second half of specialist training with a focus on infection research. 

Specifically, the following requirements must be met:

  • Doctoral degree / publications: A completed doctoral degree is required; own peer-reviewed publications are desirable. Extracurricular activities that demonstrate interest and commitment to the scientific community and that are evidence of a curious, critical, and reflective mind are also positively evaluated. These include, among others, participation in voluntary services (e.g., voluntary scientific year) or scientific exchange programs, as well as scholarships and awards if applicable.
  • Excellent written and spoken German and English skills (B2 level and above)
  • Institutional mentors: It is expected that the applicant's clinical department will provide a clinical mentor and suggest a scientific mentor at the HZI. Scientific mentors must be part of HZI (Braunschweig Campus), TWINCORE, or CIIM). For applicants applying from external institutions, the program committee will assist in finding mentors.
  • Structured career plan: It is expected that the institutional mentors will develop a structured career plan together with the applicant
  • Teaching / patient and science communication: The applicant should explain what plans there are to become involved in teaching. In addition, suggestions for improving patient information can also be submitted. If it is planned to introduce new aspects into existing structures, the previously underrepresented subject areas should be clearly identified.
  • For more detailed information please visit the PRACTIS website: https://www.clinician-scientist.de/practis 
Working hours

39 hours per week

We offer: 

It includes a bindingly agreed research time of 50% to work on a personal research project within the MHH's and HZI’s research focus. Participants receive personalized mentoring and a budget for materials, travel, and publications. Additionally, they participate in a supplementary curriculum to acquire key competencies such as data management, analysis, GCP study physician training, and project management. The program also supports the acquisition of teaching and communication skills necessary for habilitation, and includes regular evaluations and feedback discussions. 

Additionally, joining the HZI will provide access to top-tier research infrastructure, advanced technologies, and a collaborative network of infection research experts. HZI's emphasis on translational research empowers clinician scientists to bridge the gap between fundamental research and clinical application, ultimately driving innovative patient solutions. Our offer includes: 

  • Flexible working hours, part-time models
  • A culture of appreciation and promotion of equal opportunities
  • Extensive training and continuing education opportunities
  • A family office to support family and career, including childcare offers 

 

We are committed to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). We expressly welcome applications from qualified women. 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 reference the degree of disability in your cover letter or resume.  The position is suitable for part-time work.

 

How to apply: 

Your application documents should include: 

  1. Cover letter with CV
  2. Completed application form
  3. Declaration by the applicant regarding the duties of a PRACTIS colleague
  4. Letter of support by a
    • Clinical mentor (template)
    • Scientific mentor of the HZI (template)
  5. Confirmation letter by
    • Head of Department of the Clinic (template)
    • Head of the department of an institute of HZI (template)
  6. Copies of relevant certificates and diplomas 

Please, download the find more information as well as the relevant templates here: https://www.clinician-scientist.de/practis-bewerbung/

We look forward to receiving your application! 

Katrin MacLeod

Contact

Katrin MacLeod

Interested? Apply now!