Postdoc in the field of computational virus genomics and evolution

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 place high value on high standards in occupational, health, and environmental protection for our employees. Job advertisement No. 776

The Bioinformatics of Infection Research department, under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Alice C. McHardy at the Helmholtz-Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (HZI), is looking for the earliest possible date a

Postdoc in the field of computational virus genomics and evolution (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 novel approaches to the prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of infectious diseases. At the center of our research are bacterial and viral pathogens, their interplay with the human immune system, and new effective active substances and vaccines.

The "Bioinformatics of Infection Research" department investigates the human microbiome as well as viral and bacterial pathogens, incorporating biomedical metadata. To this end, it analyzes extensive biological and epidemiological datasets using computational methods. To achieve its research goals, the department also develops novel algorithms and software.

The position is located within the DFG-funded Collaborative Research Center "VirusREvolution: Decoding Tools for Virus Research". This interdisciplinary initiative is dedicated to the development of innovative bioinformatic and photonic tools for virus research. By combining computational and experimental approaches, VirusREvolution aims to improve the systematic characterization of known and emerging viruses and enable their rapid risk assessment. As part of this association, we work closely with national partnerships to develop computational methods that link viral evolution at the population level with the underlying molecular processes and enable the early detection and characterization of emerging, antigenically altered virus lineages.

Your tasks:

• Development of computational methods for the early detection and prediction of emerging, evolutionarily successful, and antigenically altered virus lineages
• Analysis of extensive genomic, phylogenetic, and epidemiological data on viruses to identify evolutionary changes associated with viral fitness, immune escape, and antigenic changes
• Integration of evolutionary estimates with experimental data and structural data, as well as participation in the construction of a comprehensive database of phenotype-altering virus mutations
• Active participation in the VirusREvolution Collaborative Research Center and close cooperation with project partners from computational and experimental research
• Publication of research results in peer-reviewed journals as well as presentation of your work at national and international scientific conferences
• Department-specific support

Your qualifications and skills:

• Completed doctorate in bioinformatics, computational virology, computer science, machine learning, statistics, or a related field; experience in phylogenetics is desirable
• Prior experience with the research topic and commitment to reproducible research
• Good programming skills, strong analytical thinking, and problem-solving competence
• Independent, structured, and goal-oriented way of working, as well as teamwork and communication skills
• Excellent written and spoken English skills

We offer you:

• 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 clearly indicate 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 31.12.2028 Remuneration: E 13 TV EntGO Bund Working hours: 39.00 hours per week Location: Braunschweig Probationary period: 6 months Application deadline: 08.11.2026

Further information can be obtained from Dr. Carmen Paulmann, E-Mail: carmen.paulmann@helmholtz-hzi.de.

Please apply via our career portal.

Please include a cover letter, a CV, a description of your research interests, copies of your most important publications, and the contact details of two or three references with your application documents. Please refrain from sending a photo.

We look forward to your application!