Junior Group Leaders at the Helmholtz Institute of RNA-based Infection Research

Posted on September 15th, 2025

The Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI) in Würzburg, Germany, is offering two Junior Group Leader Positions (f/m/d) in the field of RNA-Biology, RNA-Technology or RNA-Medicine. The positions are to be staffed at the earliest possible date.

The HIRI combines ribonucleic acid (RNA) research with infection biology. Based on novel findings from our strong basic research program, our long-term goal is to develop innovative therapeutic approaches to better diagnose and treat human infections. More information at www.helmholtz-hiri.de.

Your area of responsibility:

• Cutting-edge research in the emerging fields of RNA biology (including microbes, phages, eukaryotic viruses and the immune response of infected hosts), RNA technologies (such as single-cell RNA sequencing, CRISPR-Cas and other RNA-programmable protein complexes, visualization of RNA localization in the cell, RNA modifications) or RNA medicine (with a focus on RNA as a target, effector or guide molecule, including antisense oligonucleotides, therapeutic mRNA and CRISPR-Cas-based therapies). In the latter case, close cooperation with the International Graduate Program, RNAmed – Future Leaders in RNA-Based Medicine (www.rnamed.de), is expected.
• Promotion of young scientists
• Acquisition of third-party funding
• Participation in academic self-administration

Your qualification profile:

• Applicants should have a completed university degree in biology, (bio)chemistry, molecular biology, human medicine or a comparable discipline, as well as an outstanding doctoral degree in life sciences, natural sciences or medicine
• Applicants should be at an early stage in their scientific career (no more than four years should have elapsed between obtaining the doctoral degree and the application deadline; in the field of medicine, no more than seven years should have elapsed; the date on the doctoral certificate is decisive)
• A research profile of international standing and a strong publication record given career stage
• A comprehensive understanding of laboratory techniques and workflows in molecular biology
• A strong interest in and enthusiasm for RNA-based infection research
• Understanding of modern RNA techniques (e.g. single-cell RNA sequencing)
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Results-oriented and responsible work style with a high degree of initiative
• A "can do" attitude and the ability to develop creative solutions
• High degree of diligence, reliability and commitment

What we offer:

• Attractive personnel and financial resources for the junior research group
• Support for a subsequent application for a Junior Professorship (W1) at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Würzburg
• An attractive, future-oriented research institute with an international environment at the Medical Campus Würzburg
• State-of-the-art infrastructure and cutting-edge technologies
• Flexible working hours, part-time models and home office options
• 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 options
• Interesting additional public service benefits
• Option of an additional employer subsidy for the job ticket (for the use of public transport)

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 suitable for part-time work.

Further information on the positions advertised is available on request from the founding director of HIRI, Professor Jörg Vogel, phone +49 931 31 82575, email: [email protected].

https://www.helmholtz-hiri.de/en/about/team/detail/person/joerg-vogel/

How to apply:
When sending us your application documents, please confirm that you have read our privacy policy and that you agree to the processing of your personal data. Please use the text module in our privacy policy (https://www.helmholtz-hzi.de/en/data-privacy#c5877) for this purpose. Without these declarations we cannot consider or process your application and will immediately delete any application documents already received after the application deadline.

Please submit your application in English. This should include a cover letter, CV, 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 send your complete application, quoting the reference number 089/2025, to the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research GmbH, Human Resources Department, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany or by e-mail: [email protected]. If you send your application in electronic form, provide all together in one single (1) pdf document.

We look forward to receiving your application!