HI-TAC seeks Research Group Leaders in the field of AngioCardioScience
Team: HI-TAC
The Helmholtz Institute for Translational AngioCardioScience (HI‑TAC) is a branch of the Max Delbrück Center on the campus of Heidelberg University. The Max Delbrück Center and the Mannheim and Heidelberg Medical Faculties of the University of Heidelberg jointly founded HI-TAC. HI-TAC will develop a unique systemic approach in the emerging field of cadiovascular communication biology, which is operationally designated as AngioCardioScience. Translational research at HI‑TAC aims at developing a new scientific program centered on communication biology and dedicated to understanding cardiovascular functions on a systemic level during homeostasis, ageing and pathological conditions. It will exploit its findings in the area of cross-organ interactions for the development of translational applications.
HI-TAC is currently in the buildup phase and will provide a modern place for 100 scientists to conduct research and work in Heidelberg and Mannheim. Join our team and build up the HI‑TAC together with the Max Delbrück Center and the University of Heidelberg.
The newly established Helmholtz Institute for Translational AngioCardioScience (HI‑TAC) invites applications from outstanding scientists at the stage of establishing their first independent research group. Candidates should have a strong track record in cardiovascular science or closely related fields that advance our understanding of cardiovascular function and disease. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, metabolic and mechanical signaling, immune interactions with vasculature or myocardium, and inflammatory pathways, cardiovascular malformations, development, regeneration, and ageing. The HI‑TAC Group Leaders are expected to conduct pioneering independent research, secure external funding, and collaborate with top researchers and organizations in the field. The selected candidates will become part of a vibrant and collaborative community at Heidelberg University and the Max Delbrück Center.
About Us
The HI-TAC, a branch of the Max Delbrück Center at Heidelberg University, operates in close collaboration with the two Medical Faculties of Heidelberg University, located in Mannheim and Heidelberg. HI‑TAC pioneers a systemic and translational approach to cardiovascular communication biology, termed Translational AngioCardioScience. Its research is dedicated to understanding cardiovascular function throughout lifespan and in disease, with a focus on how vascular and cardiac cells interact with each other and other organ systems to maintain homeostasis or cause disease. The ultimate goal of HI‑TAC research is to advance early disease detection, prevention, targeted intervention and long-term remission.
As a newly established and evolving institute, HI‑TAC offers group leaders a unique opportunity to help shape its scientific vision and foster an interdisciplinary culture. We invite you to become part of this dynamic and growing community at the forefront of AngioCardioScience.
Job Description
We offer funding for an initial 5-year period, with a 4-year extension based on a positive evaluation by the MDC’s scientific advisory board (SAB). The package includes a competitive salary and an attractive start‑up package, covering personnel, consumables, and an investment budget to establish your HI‑TAC group. The successful candidate will receive generous funding for the full duration of their appointment to establish and maintain an independent research group, with resources tailored to support their scientific focus and foster long-term development and success.
As part of HI-TAC’s faculty, you will be able to choose a mentor from senior faculty at Heidelberg University and the Max Delbrück Center.
Requirements
* PhD or MD/PhD degree
* Strong track record of impactful scientific work demonstrated through high-quality publications
* Enthusiastic about building collaborations and actively engaging with the vibrant research communities in Heidelberg, Mannheim and Berlin
* Acquire independent funding at the national and international levels
* No minimum postdoctoral experience is required; past hires have had between three and seven years of postdoc experience
We offer
* international working environment with communication in English and German
* interesting career opportunities and a range of opportunities for further qualification and training
* Compatibility of family and career certified by the workandfamily audit ("berufundfamilie audit")
* a remuneration in accordance with the collective agreement for the federal public service (TVöD Bund), including additional company pension schemes
* flexible working hours
* Subsidy for the Deutschlandticket
Salary
Remuneration will be according to the TVöD Bund, depending on the personal requirements, up to the fee group 15.
Employment volume
Full-time
Desired starting date
March 1, 2026
Limitation
Fixed term
Application period
October 31, 2025
Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
The Max Delbrück Center values diversity and is committed to an inclusive, respectful, and family-friendly environment
Apply now
Please submit your applications via the Max Delbrück Center application portal by 31.10.2025.
Your application must include:
* A cover letter outlining your motivation
* A curriculum vitae (CV), including academic and professional achievements
* List of publications
* An outline of your research statement (max. 5 pages), describing your scientific vision, planned research program, and its relevance to AngioCardioScience
* Two reference letters
Please get in touch with any questions
For scientific inquiries regarding the positions, please contact the HI-TAC directors (interim) Prof. Dr. Gergana Dobreva ( Gergana.Dobreva@medma.uni-heidelberg.de ), Prof. Dr. Johannes Backs ( johannes.backs@cardioscience.uni-heidelberg.de ), or Prof. Dr. Norbert Hübner ( nhuebner@mdc-berlin.de ). For administrative questions regarding the institute, please reach out to the Administrative Director Franziska Hasslinger‑Pajtler ( f.hasslinger-pajtler@mdc-berlin.de ).