We are recruiting excellent scientists with an internationally recognized research profile in basic microbial or medical research. Three separate positions are to be staffed by junior research group leaders (W1) with a research focus on at least one of three areas: i) RNA-based infection research on human bacterial or viral pathogens and the corresponding immune response; ii) Microbial RNA biology across the breadth of bacterial diversity including phages with a focus on the application potential of new molecular complexes with RNA as a key molecule; and iii) RNA-based medicine with RNA as a target molecule, effector or lead molecule including antisense oligonucleotides, therapeutic mRNA, and CRISPR-Cas-based therapies. Close collaboration with the graduate program of the Elite Network of Bavaria Future leaders in RNA-based medicine (www.rnamed.de) is expected as part of iii).

We expect all applicants to demonstrate international excellence according to their specialization and career stage, take on team-oriented leadership roles within the institute, contribute to existing and planned biomedical research structures at the university with basic scientific and translational work.

Recruitment requirements are a university degree in biology, chemistry, human medicine or a comparable discipline, pedagogical aptitude and an exceptional aptitude for scientific work, which is usually demonstrated by the outstanding qualification of a doctorate in the life or natural sciences or in the medical field (cf. Art. 63 para. 1 sentence 1 BayHIG).

Applicants should be at an early stage on the path to a professorship and have changed university after completing their doctorate or, if the doctorate was completed at the University of Würzburg, have worked academically outside the University of Würzburg for at least two years.

No more than four years should have elapsed between the award of the doctorate and the end of the application period, or a maximum of seven years in the field of medicine or clinical psychology. The date of the doctoral certificate is decisive (cf. Art. 63 para. 1 sentences 5 to 7 BayHIG).

The following qualifications / interests are also relevant for the advertised positions:

With your scientific background you apply for either: i) RNA-based infection research, ii) microbial RNA biology or iii) RNA-based medicine.

An appointment as a civil servant can be made only up to the age of 45 in accordance with Art. 65 para. 1 sentence 3 BayHIG in conjunction with Art. 23 para. 1 BayBG. Exceptions are possible in urgent cases.

The University of Würzburg and the HIRI aim to increase the proportion of women in research and teaching and therefore expressly request applications from suitably qualified female academics.

Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are otherwise equally qualified. In order to safeguard your rights, we ask you to make a clearly recognizable reference to the existence of a degree of severe disability in your cover letter or CV.