Nachwuchsgruppenleitung in Saarbrücken bei Helmholtz Zentrum für Infektionsforschung GmbH

Job Offer No. 014/2024

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 field of infectious disease research and microbiology

for its

Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI) in Würzburg

and the

Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) in Saarbrücken

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.

The HIRI in Würzburg is a federally funded research institution whose mission is world-class science at

the interface of RNA biology & infection research. It performs basic research on the role RNA plays in

pathogens and infected 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 SARS-CoV-2 or multidrug-

resistant bacteria. Examples include developing new single-cell technologies as well as RNA-seq and

CRISPR-based methodologies to visualize and interrogate infection processes. (see www.helmholtz-

hiri.de).

The Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) in Saarbrücken was founded

jointly by the HZI and Saarland University as the first research institute explicitly dedicated to

pharmaceutical research in 2009. Scientists at HIPS develop and employ experimental and

computational techniques to provide new active substances against infectious diseases, optimise them

for use in humans and investigate how they can best be transported to their site of action in the human

body. A special focus of the institute is on microbial natural products from soil bacteria and the human

microbiota including their mode of action and production as well as innovative medicinal chemistry-

driven approaches. (see www.helmholtz-hips.de).

We are looking for highly qualified junior scientists with international experience, holding a PhD or MD

degree, and having an excellent scientific track record in the areas of microbiology including the

microbiota, phages, virology, CRISPR biology, immunology, vaccinology and immunotherapy,

bioinformatics, systems biology, medicinal chemistry, natural products or drug research. 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 University of Saarland, respectively, is desirable. 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.

In addition, our offer includes:

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

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

We therefore expressly welcome applications from qualified women for these positions. The position is

suitable for part-time work.

People with severe disabilities and equivalent professional qualifications who are suitable for the position

are given preference. In order t