Postdoctoral Position (f/m/d) in Computational Viral Genomics and Evolution

Job advertisement no. 776

The Department of “Computational Biology for Infection Research”, led by Prof. Alice Carolyn McHardy, at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), invites applications for a

As a member of the Helmholtz Association, the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, based in Braunschweig, conducts top-level research in the field of infectious diseases. Our scientists develop novel methods and strategies to fight infectious diseases faster and more effectively. Our common goal is to develop novel approaches for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. Our research focuses on bacterial and viral pathogens, their interaction with the human immune system and new effective substances and vaccines.

The Department of “Computational Biology for Infection Research” studies the human microbiome, viral und bacterial pathogens together with biomedical metadata by analysing of large-scale biological and epidemiological data sets with computational techniques. To achieve its research goals, the department also develops novel algorithms and software.
The position is embedded in the DFG-funded Collaborative Research Centre “VirusREvolution: Demoding Tools for Virus Research”, an interdisciplinary initiative dedicated to developing innovative bioinformatic and photonic tools for virus research. By combining computational and experimental approaches, VirusREvolution aims to improve the systematic characterisation of known and newly emerging viruses und to enable their rapid risk assessment. Within this collaborative framework, we work closely with national partners to develop computational methods that link population-level viral evolution to underlying molecular processes and enable the early detection and characterisation of emerging, antigenically altered viral lineages.

Responsibilities:

• Develop computational methods for the early detection and prediction of emerging, evolutionarily successful and antigenically altered viral lineages
• Analyse large-scale viral genomic, phylogenetic and epidemiological data to identify evolutionary changes associated with viral fitness, immune escape and antigenic change
• Integrate evolutionary estimates with experimental and structural data and contribute to establishing a comprehensive database of phenotype-altering viral mutations
• Participate actively in the Collaborative Research Centre VirusREvolution and collaborate closely with computational and experimental project partners
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present your work at national and international scientific meetings
• Department-specific support

Requirements:

• A doctoral degree 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 a commitment to reproducible research
• Good programming skills, strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Independent, structured and goal-oriented working style, teamwork and communication skills
• Excellent command of written and spoken English

We offer you:

• An attractive and varied job in a future-oriented research institute with an international environment at the
• Science Campus South in Braunschweig
• A state-of-the-art infrastructure and the latest technologies
• Flexible working hours, part-time models as well as home office
• A corporate culture of appreciation and promotion of equal opportunities
• Extensive training and continuing education opportunities to develop professional knowledge und personal skills
• A family office to support family and career as well as childcare Koffers, for example, during school breaks
• Interesting additional public service benefits
• Possible subsidy of the job-ticket

People with severe disabilities and equivalent professional qualifications who are suitable for the position are given preference. In order to protect your rights, we ask you to provide us with a clearly recognisable reference to the existence of a degree of severe disability in your cover letter or resume.

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.

Starting date: As soon as possible; the contract will initially run until 31.12.2028
Salary: E 13 TV EntGO Bund
Working time: 39.00 hours per week
Place of work: Braunschweig
Probation period: 6 months
Closing date: 08/11/2026

For further information please contact Dr. Carmen Paulmann, email: carmen.paulmann@helmholtz-hzi.de.

Please apply via our career portal.

Please include a cover letter, resume, research interests, certificates, copies of your most important publications and addresses of two or three referees with your application. Please refrain from sending a photo.

We look forward to receiving your application!