Research Associate in Epidemiology (w/m/d)

Job Advertisement No. 732

In the Department of Epidemiology (led by 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:

Research Associate in Epidemiology (w/m/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 Gemeinschaft. Our scientists develop novel methods and strategies to combat infectious diseases increasingly faster and more effectively. Our common goal is to develop 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.

Project Description:

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-Gesundheitsstudie (www.nako.de), we work in the field of immunology and infection. The department's infrastructure also includes the doctoral program "Epidemiology". As part of various national and international projects, we perform dynamic modeling to predict how epidemics will develop in the future and how effective pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical measures are in combating them.

The position within the Department of Epidemiology will support work in the area of dynamic modeling of respiratory and vector-associated infectious diseases.

These tasks await you:

• Quantitative analysis and dynamic modeling using epidemiological data from the cohorts existing in the department
• Implementation of (sero-)epidemiological studies and eHealth projects
• Conception, implementation, and evaluation of epidemiological studies, modeling, machine learning methods, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews
• Scientific analyses and publications
• Support in the scientific supervision of department staff
• Preparation of third-party funding applications and project reports

Your qualifications and skills:

• Completed university degree (Master or Doctorate) in the field of health or natural sciences, medicine, epidemiology, computer science, mathematics, engineering, or comparable
• Independence, strong organizational talent, and commitment to performance
• Very good written and spoken English skills
• Experience with at least two scientific programming languages such as R, Python, or Java
• Demonstrable knowledge or experience in at least two of the following subject areas, which are carried out under supervision in the department: Dynamic modeling, clinical infectiology, Data Science, Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence, implementation of epidemiological or clinical studies and eHealth projects, statistical and epidemiological evaluation of studies, evidence synthesis including meta-analyses and meta-regressions of large datasets
• Independent, structured way of working and ability to work in a team

Advantageous for this position:

• Experience with data exploration and subsequent modeling
• Qualification in the field of infection epidemiology (e.g., EPIET, EIS, PAE, MSc, MPH)
• Knowledge and experience in computer science, software development, or eHealth
• Experience in the conception and implementation of epidemiological studies including data protection and ethics
• Publication experience
• Experience in securing third-party funding
• Very good German skills

We offer you:

• Diverse continuing education opportunities (on-site participation in seminars of the PhD program "Epidemiology")
• Opportunity for doctorate and 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 opportunities
• 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, persons with severe disabilities will be given preference. To protect your rights, we ask you to provide us with 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. The position is suitable for part-time work.

Start date: at the earliest possible date, initially limited until 31.08.2028

Remuneration: E13 TV EntGO Bund

Working hours: 39 hours per week

Location: Braunschweig

Probationary period: 6 months

Application deadline: 22.10.2026

For further information, please contact Dr. Vanessa Melhorn, telephone +49 5316181-3120 or via email at: vanessa.melhorn@helmholtz-hzi.de.

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!