Technical Assistant (f/m/d)

Job advertisement no. 613

The Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Department of Bacterial Infection Ecology (BINE), is looking for a

Technical Assistant (f/m/d)

The Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, based in Braunschweig, is a member of the Helmholtz Association and conducts cutting-edge research in the field of infectious diseases. Our scientists develop novel methods and strategies to combat infectious diseases more quickly and effectively. Our common goal is to develop novel approaches to 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 drugs and vaccines.

About the research department: The Jahn Lab at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) in Braunschweig investigates the spatial structure of our microbiota and its effects on health. We are a growing, dynamic team that offers new members the opportunity to get involved and help shape the culture and development of the lab. With our technology-driven approaches, we aim to find out how our microbial communities promote health and ward off disease.

Mission: The mission of the Jahn Lab is to explore the spatial organization of our microbiota and to decipher its interactions with the host in the context of infection. In this way, the Jahn Lab contributes to the overarching goal of the HZI to understand and combat infectious diseases. By investigating how the structure of our microbiota influences disease resistance and inflammation, the goal is to advance the development of microbiome-based therapies.

Uniform size and management: We are an innovative research group in a growth phase. Led by Dr. Martin Jahn (website: https://martinjahn.co.uk), the group focuses on cooperation and creativity and enables team members to contribute their individual perspectives. The open structure of the laboratory allows members to actively participate in the design of forward-looking projects.

These tasks await you: 

• Implementation of new techniques, in particular automated staining techniques in conjunction with microscopy
• Conducting scientific experiments:
  • Conducting experiments with bacterial pathogens at biosafety level 2
  • Preparing and staining samples
  • Optimizing workflows
  • Documenting results in accordance with good scientific practice
• Assisting with the organization of the laboratory:
  • Obtaining comparative quotes and placing orders
  • Maintaining microscopes and laboratory equipment
  • Ensuring smooth laboratory operations, including procurement management

Your qualifications and skills:

• Completed training as a technical assistant or comparable training with equivalent skills and experience
• Knowledge and experience in fluorescence microscopy and molecular biology methods, especially staining (e.g., by in situ hybridization)
• Microscopy of samples with modern fluorescence microscopes
• Knowledge of conducting animal experiments
• Knowledge of microbiology, including the cultivation of bacteria
• Good work organization and attention to detail
• Team-oriented and independent work and flexibility
• Good PC skills (MS Office, Excel)
• Good English skills

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
• State-of-the-art infrastructure and cutting-edge technologies
• Flexible working hours, part-time models
• A corporate culture that values and promotes 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 offers for improved childcare, e.g., during the holidays
• Interesting additional benefits of public service
• Possibility of an employer subsidy for the Jobticket

In the case of equal professional qualifications, severely disabled persons will be given preference. To protect your rights, please clearly indicate any 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.

Start date: As soon as possible, initially limited to 2 years

Remuneration: E9a TVöD Bund

Working hours: 19.5 hours per week

Place of work: Braunschweig

Probationary period: 6 months

Application deadline: February 12, 2026

For further information, please contact Dr. Martin Jahn by email at: martint.jahn@helmholtz-hzi.de.

Please include a cover letter, resume, (work) references, certificates, and (if available) work samples or reference projects with your application documents. Please do not send a photo.

Please submit your documents via our application portal.

We look forward to receiving your application!