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 fields of infectious disease research, pharmaceutical research, and RNA biology
to be based at the
Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Würzburg
or the
Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Saarbrücken
within the Helmholtz call for 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.
Within the prestigious Helmholtz Investigator Groups programprogram (Standard Track & Pilot Track), we seek exceptional postdoctoral researchers with a strong record of scientific excellence and clear potential for future leadership.
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 (see www.helmholtz-hiri.de). 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. In the current call for applications, HIRI is exclusively seeking candidates for Helmholtz Research Groups in the “Standard Track”.
The Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) in Saarbrücken addresses the global health threat of antimicrobial resistance by discovering and developing innovative anti-infectives (see https://www.helmholtz-hips.de/en/). Research at HIPS spans the entire early drug discovery pipeline, from the identification of bioactive natural products and synthetic compounds to profiling, mode-of-action studies, pharmaceutical optimization, and in vivo characterization. By integrating chemistry, biology, medicine and computational sciences, including artificial intelligence-based approaches, HIPS provides a unique and highly interdisciplinary research environment. The ultimate goal is to translate fundamental discoveries into innovative therapeutic options that can effectively combat resistant pathogens and emerging infectious diseases. To this end, researchers at HIPS collaborate closely with Saarland University and its University Hospital in Homburg, but also partners from the pharmaceutical and biotech industry. In the current call for applications, HIPS is exclusively seeking candidates in the application focused “Pilot Track”.
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 Saarland University is envisaged. 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 Saarbrücken
- 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.
Starting date: January 2027. The contract will initially run for five years.
Salary: E15 TVöD Bund
Working time: 39 hours per week
Place of work: Würzburg or Saarbrücken
Probation period: 6 months
For additional information, please contact the Scientific Director of the HIRI, Prof. Dr. Jörg Vogel: joerg.vogel@helmholtz-hiri.de or the Scientific Director of HIPS, Prof. Dr. Rolf Müller rolf.mueller@helmholtz-hips.de.
For further information, please check:
Helmholtz Investigator Groups (Standard Track) & Helmholtz Innovation Exploration Groups (Pilot Track) - Helmholtz - Association of German Research Centres
Please apply in our career portal.
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. Please refrain from sending a photo.
We look forward to receiving your application!