Head of the Department of Therapeutic mRNA Technology (f/m/d)

Responsibilities:

• Establishment of an independent research program combined with the leadership and strategic development of an internationally visible department at the interface of RNA biochemistry, RNA technologies and RNA medicine
  
• Development, operation and deployment of a GLP platform for mRNA/LNP production, quality control, high-throughput screening and preclinical studies
• Development and optimization of programmable mRNA constructs for vaccines and therapeutics
  
• Establishment of collaborations between HIRI/HZI and JMU, the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), the Helmholtz Association, as well as with clinical, biotechnology and pharmaceutical partners
• Supporting early-career researchers, team development, securing external funding, teaching, and academic self-administration

Requirements:

• A university degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, molecular biology, biophysics, pharmacy, medicine or a comparable discipline, as well as an outstanding PhD
  
• An internationally recognized and independent research profile in RNA research, with particular expertise in at least one of the following areas: RNA biochemistry, RNA biophysics, RNA technologies, RNA medicine or RNA-based infectious disease research
  
• Proven expertise in the development and optimization of mRNA platforms and RNA-based drug technologies
  
• Several years of experience in leading RNA research and RNA design programs in academic and biopharmaceutical settings
  
• Experience with high-throughput screening, automated workflows, or quantitative and computational modeling
  
• Experience in preclinical translation and with collaborations in the biotechnology sector, the pharmaceutical industry, or clinical research
  
• Extensive experience in leading research groups, industry staff, research institutes, or core facilities, with a focus on gender and diversity
  
• Experience in supervising PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, and supporting early-career researchers
  
• A research profile of internationally recognized standing and a strong publication record as per career stage
  
• Comprehensive understanding of laboratory techniques and workflows in molecular biology
  
• International network, strong collaborative skills, excellent spoken and written English skills; knowledge of German or the willingness to learn German
• A result-oriented and responsible working style with a high degree of initiative
  
• A ‘can-do’ attitude and the ability to develop creative solutions
• A commitment to equality and diversity

We offer you:

• Support with a subsequent application for a professorship (W3) at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Würzburg
  
• A prominent leadership position at an internationally recognized research institute
  
• Establishment and management of an independent department and its research program
• Attractive personnel and financial resources
  
• State-of-the-art infrastructure for RNA research, microbiology and molecular biology in a new institute building
  
• Close collaboration with the HZI, HIRI and JMU, as well as with national and international partners
• Flexible working hours, part-time models, and the opportunity to work from home
• A corporate culture of appreciation and promotion of equal opportunities
  
• Extensive professional development and advanced training opportunities
• A family office to support family and career; childcare offers
  
• Additional public service benefits
  
• Possibility of an employer subsidy for the job ticket