Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d)
Date: 6 Aug 2026
Location: Braunschweig
Company: Helmholtz-Zentrum für Infektionsforschung GmbH
Job advertisement no. 721
The research group NIBI, led by Dr. Christian Sieben at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), is offering as soon as possible a position as
Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d)
As a member of the Helmholtz Association, the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, based in Braunschweig, conducts top-level research in the field of infectious diseases. Our scientists develop novel methods and strategies to fight infectious diseases faster and more effectively. Our common goal is to develop novel approaches for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. Our research focuses on bacterial and viral pathogens, their interaction with the human immune system and new effective substances and vaccines.
Research in our group aims to understand how viruses use and alter cellular structures for cell entry and assembly, how they exploit and control plasma membrane signaling and if these mechanisms can be used to inhibit virus infection. The HZI is a multidisciplinary research center devoted to understand and combat infectious diseases. Many viruses initiate infection by binding to sialic acids on the surface of host cells. Our goal is to block this common entry step and thereby develop a broadly effective antiviral strategy. We will screen potential binding competitors, test their ability to prevent virus attachment, investigate their mode of action, and define the concentration range in which the most promising compounds are active.
Responsibilities:
- Scientific work as part of an interdisciplinary project
- Development and optimization of a testing platform for new antiviral compounds
- Research in the field of virus-cell biology using advanced live cell imaging in laboratories up to BSL3
Requirements:
- Completed scientific university degree in natural sciences
- Doctorate/PhD in the field of cell biology, virology or comparable
- Ability to work in a multidisciplinary and international team
- Experiences with independent planning of experimental methods
- Good written and spoken English skills
- Good knowledge of methods in cell biology and microscopy
Advantageous for this position:
- Experimental knowledge in virology
- Expertise in advanced microscopy techniques (FRAP, particle tracking, single-molecule imaging)
- Expertise in custom computational data analysis, programming
We offer you:
- An attractive and varied job in a future-oriented research institute with an international environment at the Science Campus South in Braunschweig
- A state-of-the-art infrastructure and the latest technologies
- Flexible working hours, part-time models as well as home office
- 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
- Possible subsidy of the job-ticket
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.
The HZI is actively committed to equality, diversity and integration. For this reason, the HZI pursues the goal of professional equality between women and men. The position is suitable for part-time work.
For further information please contact Christian Sieben, email: christian.sieben@helmholtz-hzi.de.
Please apply via our career portal.
Please include a cover letter, resume, (employment) references, certificates, and (if available) work samples or reference projects with your application materials. Please refrain from sending a photo.
We look forward to receiving your application!