Junior Research Groups (m/f/d) in the field of Infection Biology

FIGHTING PATHOGENS TOGETHER!

Junior Research Groups (f/m/d)

Job advertisement no.: 096/2025

Starting date: As soon as possible

Duration of employment: The contract will initially run for 5 years

Working time: 39 hours per week

Salary: E 15 TVöD Bund

Place of work: Braunschweig

Probation period: 6 months

Closing date: 26.11.2025

The Human Microbe Alliance for Universal Health (HUMAN) program is funded by the Volkswagen Foundation and the Ministry of Science and Culture of Lower Saxony (MWK). It applies an integrative approach using novel technologies, systems biology, medical/life sciences, and informatics to understand, predict, and therapeutically target mechanisms underlying health and disease.

The HUMAN program is linked to the MICROSTAR program, focusing on microbes, their effector mechanisms, and adaptation strategies. Together, they provide a holistic approach for insights into human health.

More details: www.helmholtz-hzi.de/human-microstar

The Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) is offering positions for Junior Research Groups in the field of Infection Biology. HZI is Germany’s largest academic institution dedicated to infection research and a member of the Helmholtz Association and the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF).

Within the HUMAN program, we seek early-career scientists to develop independent programs in research excellence, translation, and DEI. Positions cover:

1. Pioneering basic infection research on human health and infection resilience.
2. Technology-oriented research to develop transformative technologies for human tissues and microbial entities.

Research areas include microbiology, phage biology, virology, immunology, vaccinology, AI and systems biology, spatial OMICS, drug research, digital epidemiology, precision infection medicine, RNA-biology, human tissue engineering, or synthetic viral and bacterial engineering.

Requirements:

You have completed a university degree with a doctorate in life sciences, natural sciences, or mathematics and have 2-6 years of professional experience post-doctorate. You have an exceptional track record, experience in securing third-party funding, excellent communication skills, leadership experience, and ability to guide students.

We offer you:

Funding for 5 years, including group leader position, personnel, consumables, and start-up equipment. Options for tenure and junior professorships at local universities. Competitive salaries, access to infrastructures, research support, mentorship, and participation in programs. Attractive benefits including flexible working hours, equal opportunities, training, family support, and more.

The HZI is committed to equality, diversity, and integration, and welcomes applications from qualified women. The position is suitable for part-time work.

How to apply:

Submit a cover letter, CV, list of publications, outline of achievements and research interests (max. 2 pages), completed application form, DEI outline (max. half a page), and references. For further information, contact Dr. Dirk Spitzer at +49 (0) 531 6181-2066 or dirk.spitzer@helmholtz-hzi.de. Send applications quoting reference number 096/2025 to Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research GmbH, Human Resources Department.