Junior Research Groups (f/m/d)
E 15 TVöD Bund
Closing date: 26.Hu man M icrobe A lliance for U n iversal Health (HUMAN) program
HUMAN is funded by the Volkswagen Foundation and the Ministry of Science and Culture of Lower Saxony (MWK). The program is based on an integrative approach that applies novel technologies, systems biology, medical/life sciences and informatics to understand, predict and therapeutically target the mechanisms underlying health and disease.
The HUMAN program is linked to and benefits from the BMFTR-funded Micro bial Star gazing (MICROSTAR) program. Together, HUMAN-MICROSTAR applies a holistic and comprehensive approach that has the potential to provide groundbreaking insights and new solutions for human health in the context of its microbial environment.
The Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), is offering positions for
Junior Research Groups (f/m/d) AI in Health and Infection Disease
The Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) is Germany’s largest academic institution dedicated to infection research. It is a member of the Helmholtz Association, Germany’s largest research organization, and a member of the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF). We cooperate with our regional university partners, TU-Braunschweig (TU-BS), the Hannover Medical School (MHH), the Leibniz University Hannover (LUH), the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (TiHo), and Göttingen University.
Within the newly established HUMAN program (Human Microbe Alliance for Universal Health) (), the HZI invites applications for Junior Research Group Leaders to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to address the following focus areas:
# AI-supported Mechanistic Mathematical Modelling and Simulation
# Computational Network Sciences and AI for Biology and Health
Join us to advance AI-driven mechanistic modeling and simulation, integrating dynamic systems theory and explainable AI to unlock deeper insights into biological systems and accelerate innovations in health research. Alternatively, you will help us to advance computational network sciences and AI for deeper, explainable insights into biological systems, driving innovations that will shape the future of health research.
The groups will be embedded within the vibrant scientific environment of the Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS) and is part of the Lower Saxony Center for Artificial Intelligence and Causal Methods in Medicine (CAIMed; AI-supported Mechanistic Mathematical Modelling and Simulation You will pioneer advanced AI integration into mechanistic modelling and simulation. Lifecycle-structure discovery and model conception
# Calibration and data assimilation
# Surrogate and operator learning to accelerate simulation
# Model-based control / decision support
# Applications with a focus on biological systems and health
# Computational Network Sciences and AI for Biology and Health You will develop innovative, AI-driven research programs that combine:
# Mechanistic mathematical modeling
# These positions include strong emphases on emergent behaviour, modularity, and biological / health applications.
PhD in one of the following fields (depending on the focus area):
Applied mathematics, computer science, engineering, physics
Mechanistic modelling (ODE / PDE), agent-based models
AI / ML applications in modelling, simulation, and network analysis
Hybrid modelling, neural differential equations, or physics-informed neural networks
Surrogate modeling / operator learning
Python, Julia, MATLAB, R, or C++
Experience supervising and mentoring students
Excellent communication skills (English and German)
Your Junior Research Group will be funded for a period of 5 years initially. Funding covers the group leader position, personnel as well as consumables and start-up lab equipment. The positions come with options for tenure and junior professorships at local universities, such as the TU Braunschweig, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Leibniz Universität Hannover (LUH), and Göttingen University. Based on an external review, successful group leaders will be offered an extension of the group for up to 4 years and a permanent position as group leader at HZI.
We offer competitive salaries and access to cutting-edge infrastructures and research networks. You will benefit from dedicated research support, onboarding and granting offices, mentorship, and participation in post-graduate programs.
An attractive and varied job in a future-oriented research institute with an international environment in Braunschweig, one of Europe’s most research-dense regions
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
Option of an additional employer subsidy for the job ticket
People with severe disabilities and equivalent professional qualifications who are suitable for the position are given preference. 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.
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 include with your application a cover letter, CV, a list of publications, a separate outline of previous achievements and future research interests (max. 2 pages), a completed application form ( download here ), an outline of how DEI will be implemented in your future laboratory (max. half a page) and the names, addresses and e-mail addresses of three references. Please send your complete application, quoting the reference number 123/2025, to the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research GmbH, Human Resources Department, Inhoffenstr.