PostDoc (f/m/d)
Date: 18 Sept 2026
Location: Würzburg
Company: Helmholtz-Zentrum für Infektionsforschung GmbH
Job announcement no. 757
The Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI) is offering a
Independent Postdoctoral Position (f/m/d)
in RNA Biology and Infection-Related Cellular Communication
in the department RNA Biology of Bacterial Infections led by Prof. Dr. Jörg Vogel.
The Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI) is the first institution worldwide to combine ribonucleic acid (RNA) research with infection biology. Based on findings from our strong basic research program, our long-term goal is to develop innovative therapeutic approaches to better diagnose and treat human infections. HIRI is a site of the Braunschweig Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) in cooperation with the Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU) and is located on the Würzburg Medical Campus.
More information at www.helmholtz-hiri.de.
We are seeking an excellent and highly motivated postdoctoral scientist to develop an independent research profile in the area of RNA biology, with a focus on RNA & cellular communication. The successful candidate will establish an innovative research project at the interface of RNA function, gene regulation, and host-associated biological processes using modern molecular and cellular approaches.
How to fill in
- Routine work with human primary cells, which are isolated from blood-derived products, obtained from anonymous donors: purification, long-term cryopreservation, cultivation, differentiation, biobank maintenance.
- Routine cell culture: maintenance of stable human cell lines.
- Establishing and validating novel methods for the genetic modification of human primary macrophages using small interfering RNAs (siRNA) and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs).
- Establishing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for carrying out transient gene silencing in human primary macrophages.
- Infection experiments with intracellular BSL2 human bacterial pathogens.
Responsibilities:
- Routine work with human primary cells, which are isolated from blood-derived products, obtained from anonymous donors: purification, long-term cryopreservation, cultivation, differentiation, biobank maintenance.
- Routine cell culture: maintenance of stable human cell lines.
- Establishing and validating novel methods for the genetic modification of human primary macrophages using small interfering RNAs (siRNA) and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs).
- Establishing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for carrying out transient gene silencing in human primary macrophages.
- Infection experiments with intracellular BSL2 human bacterial pathogens.
Requirements:
- Completed university degree in natural sciences with a PhD in Infection Biology
- Experience with standard microbiology techniques for various BSL2 human pathogens: cultivation, genetics, growth analysis, antibiotic resistance testing, bacterial competition assays, reporter systems, etc.
- Experience with standard molecular biology methods: DNA and RNA work (including cloning, RT-qPCR), SDS-PAGE, Western blot.
- Experience with infection biology methods: cell culture, primary human cells, whole blood and tissue ex vivo models, flow cytometry, ELISA, immunofluorescence microscopy.
- Extensive hands-on experience with primary human macrophages of different subtypes (including large-scale production, maintenance and phenotyping), documented by relevant publications in the field.
- The ability to work effectively in an international team
We offer you:
- An attractive and varied job in a future-oriented research institute
- 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
- Possibility of an employer subsidy for 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 position is held at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research GmbH (HZI) in Braunschweig. The place of employment is Würzburg.
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 Prof. Jörg Vogel, phone +49 931 31-82575, email: joerg.vogel@uni-wuerzburg.de.
Please apply via our career portal.
Please include a cover letter, resume, (employment) references, certificates, a list of your publications, a description of your planned research project (up to two pages long), and contact details of academic reference persons who can provide an assessment of you. Please refrain from sending a photo.
Please submit your application in English.
We look forward to receiving your application!
