Data Scientist (f/m/d) (Research Associate)

At the Helmholtz-Zentrum für Infektionsforschung, scientists investigate the mechanisms of infectious diseases and their defense. We systematically develop the results of basic research towards medical application. The task of the center is to contribute to overcoming the challenges that infectious diseases pose to medicine and society in the 21st century. The HZI stands for excellent, responsible, and transparent research, diversity, equal opportunity, promotion of talent, and the compatibility of family and career. We shape research as well as all supporting structures according to the current requirements of sustainability and development. Similarly, we value high standards in occupational, health, and environmental protection for our employees.

Job advertisement No. 720

in the Department of Epidemiology (Head: Professor Dr. med. Berit Lange) at the Helmholtz-Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (HZI) in Braunschweig, the following position is to be filled at the earliest possible date:

a research associate, Data Scientist (m/f/d)

The Helmholtz-Zentrum für Infektionsforschung, based in Braunschweig, conducts cutting-edge research in the field of infectious diseases as a member of the Helmholtz Association. Our scientists develop novel methods and strategies to combat infectious diseases ever faster and more effectively. Our common goal is to find novel approaches for the prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of infectious diseases. At the center of our research are bacterial and viral pathogens, their interaction with the human immune system, and new effective active substances and vaccines. The Department of Epidemiology employs more than 40 staff members (www.helmholtz-hzi.de/epidemiologie). Our research focuses on the fundamental relationships between the occurrence, spread, and prevention of infectious diseases in the human population on a national and international level. Within the framework of the NAKO Health Study (www.nako.de), we work in the field of immunology and infection. The department's infrastructure also includes the doctoral program "Epidemiology".

The position is being advertised as part of the sequencing of NAKO participants. The focus of the project is the analysis of quality-assured Whole-Genome-Sequencing data from NAKO participants as part of the exposures to be analyzed in connection with infection events, serological and other infection-relevant omics data, as well as other infection outcomes. The project offers a high-quality, phenotypically comprehensively characterized genome dataset of several 10,000 persons. It enables a variety of analyses - from population genetics to the investigation of disease associations - and lays the foundation for future discoveries in human genomics and precision medicine.

These tasks await you:

• Analysis and interpretation of Whole-Genome-Sequencing (WGS) data from a population-based cohort (NAKO)
• Performance of genetic-epidemiological analyses (e.g., GWAS, Rare-Variant analyses, Burden tests, Mendelian Randomization)
• Integration of Multi-Omics data (e.g., Transcriptomics, Proteomics)
• Statistical modeling to identify genetic risk factors of complex diseases / conditions such as re-infections, infection susceptibility
• Collaboration on third-party funded projects as well as publication of results in international specialist journals
• Presentation of results at national and international conferences
• Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams from epidemiology, bioinformatics, and molecular biology

Your qualifications and skills:

• Completed university degree (Master or Doctorate) in genetics, bioinformatics, epidemiology, biostatistics, computational biology, or related disciplines
• Experience in the analysis of WGS data demonstrated by, e.g., a publication
• Sound knowledge in statistical genetics and population-based data analysis
• Very good programming skills (e.g., R, Python)
• Experience with common tools and frameworks (e.g., PLINK)
• Knowledge in handling high-performance computers (HPC) / clusters
• Very good English skills in speaking and writing
• Independent, structured way of working and ability to work in a team

Advantageous for this position:

• Experience with large cohort datasets
• Experience in seroepidemiological studies as well as studies on respiratory infectious diseases
• Experience in the statistical supervision of epidemiological/medical studies, doctoral and master's theses
• Experience in securing third-party funding

We offer you:

• Diverse continuing education opportunities (on-site participation in seminars of the PhD program "Epidemiology")
• Opportunity for habilitation
• An attractive and varied activity in a future-oriented research institute with an international environment at the Science Campus Süd in Braunschweig
• A state-of-the-art infrastructure and most modern technologies
• Flexible working hours, part-time models, and home office
• A corporate culture of appreciation and promotion of equal opportunity
• Extensive training and further education opportunities to develop professional knowledge and personal skills
• A family office to support family and career, as well as offers for improved childcare, e.g., also during holidays
• Interesting additional benefits of the public service
• Possibility of an employer subsidy for the Jobticket

In the case of equal professional suitability, severely disabled persons will be given preference. To protect your rights, we ask you to provide a clear indication of the existence of a severe disability in your cover letter or CV.

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.

Start date: At the earliest possible date, initially limited until 30.09.2027 Remuneration: E14 TV EntGO Bund Working hours: 39 hours per week Location: Braunschweig Probationary period: 6 months Application deadline: 21.08.2026

Further information can be obtained from Dr. Vanessa Melhorn, telephone +49 531 6181-3120 or via email to: vanessa.melhorn@helmholtz-hzi.de.

Please apply via our career portal.

Please include a cover letter, a CV, (work) references, certificates, and (if available) work samples or reference projects with your application documents. Please refrain from sending a photo.

We look forward to your application!