The Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research
opens a call for
Helmholtz Research Groups
group leader positions (E15)
in the areas of
RNA Biology
RNA Medicine
RNA Technology
Job Ad as PDFResponsibilitiesRequirementsWe offer youHow to apply
The Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI) is the first institution of its kind worldwide to combine ribonucleic acid (RNA) research with infection biology.
Based on novel findings from its strong basic research program, the institute’s 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.
Responsibilities:
• 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
Requirements:
• 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)
• Gender-equitable and diversity-sensitive leadership experience, as well as initial experience and enjoyment of leading a team
• 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
We offer you:
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.
Employment is through the HZI in Braunschweig, while the work site is located at the HIRI in 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 and expressly welcomes applications from qualified women.
The position is suitable for part-time work.
- Starting date: As soon as possible. The contract will initially run for 6 years.
- Salary: E 15 TVöD Bund
- Working time: 39 hours per week
- Place of work: Würzburg, Germany
- Probation period: 6 months
- Published: September 16, 2025
- Closing date: October 31, 2025
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: joerg.vogel(at)uni-wuerzburg.de.
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 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, an overview of how you will implement DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) in your future laboratory (max. half a page), 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 number089/2025, to the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research GmbH, Human Resources Department, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany or by e-mail. If you send your application in electronic form, please provide a summary in one single (1) pdf document.
We look forward to receiving your application!