Europe’s most research-intensive region offers a diverse range of jobs in science, culture, and business. Here you will find a selection of current vacancies from the member institutions of ForschungRegion Braunschweig.
Postdoctoral Scientist (f/m/d)
The department PAIN, led by Prof. Sampurna Chakrabarti, at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), is offering the position of a
Postdoctoral Scientist (f/m/d)
As a member of the Helmholtz Association, the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, based in
Braunschweig, conducts top-level research in the field of infectious diseases. Our scientists develop novel methods and strategies to fight infectious diseases faster and more effectively. Our common goal is to develop novel approaches for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. Our research focuses on bacterial and viral pathogens, their interaction with the human immune system and new effective substances and vaccines.
Who are we?
We are a new, international lab (https://www.helmholtz-hzi.de/en/research/research-groups/details/pathways-in-infection-and-nociception/) funded by the HUMAN program investigating pain mechanisms in infection, particularly in herpes virus related infection. Pathogens interact with our nerves directly and indirectly during infection, causing nervous system dysfunction. Herpes simplex virus 1 infects an estimated 3.8 billion people
globally and causes painful oral blister. We seek to understand the host-pathogen interactions at a single-cell level which lead to neuronal hyperexcitability using electrophysiology, behavior, cell culture and proteomics. As a member of a new lab, you will get the opportunity to shape the lab culture and support and drive projects in collaboration with a new team.
The project is a close collaboration with the laboratory of Dr. Fabian Coscia (https://www.mdc-berlin.de/coscia) at the Max-Delbrück-Center (MDC) in Berlin focusing on Deep Visual Proteomics (DVP), a novel spatial discovery proteomics concept that integrates microscopic cell phenotyping with deep-learning based image analysis and global MS-based proteomics (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-022-01302-5). The candidate will have access to both laboratories and state-of-the-art instrumentation (single-cell mass spectrometry, high-resolution microscopy, next-generation sequencing), applying the DVP concept to sensory neuron biology. For this collaborative and highly interdisciplinary research, it is expected that the candidate will
spend time at both institutions.
Responsibilities:
- Mouse neuronal culture and neurotropic viral infection assays
- Developing single cell sorting workflows compatible with proteomics technologies
- Active participation in lab activities and collaborative mindset
Requirements:
- PhD in biology or related subjects
- Demonstrated expertise in proteomics workflows – ideally with single-cell or spatial proteomics background
- Proficiency in proteomics data analysis
- Demonstrated interest in neurobiology
- Practical experience will neuronal culture and cell sorting technologies is a plus
- Excellent (Fluent) written and spoken English
- Reliable team player with excellent communication skills.
- Ability and interest to drive a highly collaborative project
Advantageous for this position:
- Interest in driving an independent project
- Proficiency in proteomics data analysis
- Good laboratory management skills – especially keeping electronic lab notebooks up to date
We offer you:
- 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 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
- Possible subsidy of 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 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.
Starting date: As soon as possible. The contract will initially run for two years.
Salary: E 13 TV EntGO Bund
Working time: 39,00 hours per week
Place of work: Braunschweig
Probation period: 6 Monate
Closing date: 15/05/2026
For further information please contact Dr. Sampurna Chakrabarti via email: sampurna.chakrabarti@helmholtz-hzi.de or fabian.coscia@mdc-berlin.de
Please apply via our career portal.
Please include a cover letter, resume, (employment) references, certificates, and (if available) work samples or reference projects with your application materials. Please refrain from sending a photo.
We look forward to receiving your application!
Doctoral researcher (f/m/d) Modelling vector-borne diseases in Germany
The department EPID, led by Prof. Berit Lange, at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), is offering the position of a
Doctoral researcher (f/m/d) Modelling vector-borne diseases in Germany
As a member of the Helmholtz Association, the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, based in
Braunschweig, conducts top-level research in the field of infectious diseases. Our scientists develop novel methods and strategies to fight infectious diseases faster and more effectively. Our common goal is to develop novel approaches for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. Our research focuses on bacterial and viral pathogens, their interaction with the human immune system and new effective substances and vaccines.
Project description:
The Department of Epidemiology consists of more than 40 employees (www.helmholtz-hzi.de/epidemiologie). Our researchfocuses on the fundamental relationships between the occurrence, spread and prevention of infectious diseases in the humanpopulation at national and international level. We are working on the area of immunology and infection as part of the NAKOhealth study (www.nako.de). The infrastructure of the department also includes the PhD Programme “Epidemiology”.
VBD-MODE is an interdisciplinary German consortium that advances modelling and forecasting of vector-borne diseases toestimate current and future burden and strengthen preparedness. It integrates climate, environmental, land-use and socio-economic drivers to predict vector distribution, transmission potential and outbreak risk for pathogens such as West Nile fever,tick-borne infections and Aedes-borne diseases (e.g., dengue), using multi-model ensembles and scenario-based projections.The project combines process-based eco-epidemiological models with statistical/ML approaches and health-economicmodelling to assess the impact and cost-effectiveness of interventions, including vaccination and surveillance strategies. Inparallel,
VBD-MODE builds national capacity through standardized data integration, stakeholder exchange, training and openprediction challenges, translating modelling insights into actionable recommendations for Germany’s public health resilience.
Tasks include:
- Generation and running of dynamic models for vector-borne diseases
- Data analysis of public health and cohort data with epidemiological methods
- Evidence synthesis to support model parameters
- Conduct and organization of epidemiological studies and sample collections
- Conduct and supervision of laboratory analyses, in particular immunological assays
- Data management and programming in R and Python
- Writing and contribution to original publications
- Coordinate contribution to modelling projects and platforms supporting reporting, communication and meeting organization
- Supporting teaching for medical and public health students
- Assistance with drafting project-related grant applications
- Presenting the results at scientific conferences
- Assistance with project management and administration
Qualifications:
- University degree in mathematics, biostatistics or data sciences with experiences in dynamic modelling and additional degree in health-related sciences e.g. epidemiology
- Alternatively: medical degree or health sciences degree with additional degree in data sciences, biostatistics and experiences in dynamic modelling
- Very good knowledge of statistics and R, Python or Stata
- Excellent data management and programming skills in R and/or Python
- Very good knowledge of English
Advantage:
- Good knowledge of German
- Experience in dynamic modelling of infectious diseases
- Laboratory methods for serology/ELISA (experience gained during MSc or BSc studies desirable)
- Knowledge on/ experience in Machine learning approaches
We offer:
- Modern laboratories, incl. BSL3
- State-of-the-art analytical instrumentation (spectral analyzer, sorting facility, single cell genomics pipelines)
- Ample biological profiling platforms (in vitro and in vivo)
- A lively scientific community and a corporate culture of appreciation & promotion of equal opportunities
- 30 days of vacation, (24.12. & 31.12. are considered as completely free days)
- An annual additional payment (Weihnachtsgeld) analogue to § 20 TVöD
- Social security included
- DO IT- Promotionsinitiative
- Welcome Office
- Buddy System for new doctoral researchers
- Family Office, Child Holiday Care
- One of the strongest research region in Europe
- Central location within Germany, various metropolitan areas (i.e. Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Hannover) and recreational areas (i.e. Harz, Lüneburg Heath, North Sea) can be reached very quickly and easily by Train – it is also close to the airport Hannover.
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 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.
Starting date: As soon as possible. Initial contract for 3 years, subject to final approval and funding release by the external funding provider.
Salary: alike E 13 TV EntGO Bund (65%)
Working time: 19,50 hours per week
Place of work: Braunschweig
Probation period: 6 months
Closing date: 21/04/2026
For further information please contact Dr. Vanessa Melhorn, phone +49 5316181-3120,
email: vanessa.melhorn@helmholtz-hzi.de.
Please apply via our career portal.
Please include a cover letter, resume, (employment) references, certificates, and (if available) work samples or reference projects with your application materials. Please refrain from sending a photo.
We look forward to receiving your application!