Salary Remuneration will be according to the TVöD Bund, depending on the personal requirements,
up to pay group 15.

Employment volume Full Time

The Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association aims to transform tomorrow’s medicine through our discoveries of today. At locations in Berlin-Buch, Berlin-Mitte, Heidelberg and Mannheim, our scientists collaborate across disciplines to unravel the complexities of disease at the systems level – from molecules and cells to organs and entire organisms. Through strong academic, clinical, and industry partnerships, as well as global networks, we translate biological insights into innovations for early detection, individualized therapies, and disease prevention. Founded in 1992, the Max Delbrück Center is home to a vibrant community of 1,800 people from more than 70 countries.

As part of the Helmholtz Association’s new research focus on Biomedical Engineering, the Max Delbrück Center is launching a cutting-edge Bioengineering Cluster within its Biomedical Engineering Program. This initiative aims to build a critical mass of excellence at the interface of biology, engineering, and medicine.

We are now recruiting for three Independent Group Leader positions (equivalent to Assistant Professor level) in bioengineering-driven approaches to understanding and treating human disease. We welcome transformative, cross-disciplinary research proposals that integrate biological discovery with technological innovation.

We are especially interested in researchers working in, but not limited to, the following areas: Engineering of genomes, epigenomes, proteins and immune or cellular systems; synthetic biology and programmable biological systems; humanized disease models including organoids and tissue engineering; organ-on-chip, microfluidics, bioprinting, biofabrication, and tissue interface technologies; smart biomaterials, soft matter, nanotechnology, and drug delivery; high-throughput platforms and molecular/cellular biosensors; computational bioengineering and AI for modeling, design, and prediction.

The Max Delbrück Center offers an exceptional research environment, including access to state-of-the-art technology platforms, a collaborative scientific community, and integration into Berlin’s dynamic biomedical ecosystem. As a member of the Helmholtz Association, Europe’s largest research-performing organization, we support interdisciplinary research at the cutting edge of biomedical innovation.

Job Description

Successful candidates will establish an ambitious and independent research program, secure competitive external funding, and engage actively in collaborative initiatives within the Max Delbrück Center and with our national and international partners.

The positions offer an attractive support package, including:

• Competitive start-up funds
• Group leader salary
• Funding for three research staff (salaries and research costs) for up to 9 years (subject to midterm review at year 4)
• Access to centrally funded PhD students through our international graduate school
• A formal mentoring program

This is a unique opportunity to build a high-impact research program in a worldclass, well-resourced environment.

You also benefit from:

• flexible working hours and childcare support
• an idyllic green campus, which is easily accessible by bicycle, public transport or car
• free use of Nextbike from the Buch S-Bahn station to the campus
• Subsidy for the job ticket as well as discounts in the campus canteen
• On-campus health and fitness center
• additional health benefits such as flu vaccination, eye test, ergonomics advice at the workplace

This is a unique opportunity to build a high-impact research program in a worldclass, well-resourced environment.

At the Max Delbrück Center, we believe that diversity drives excellence and that innovation in health research depends on the inclusion of varied perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable research environment and promote equal opportunities regardless of background, religion, disability, age, gender, or sexual identity. We welcome open-minded, collaborative individuals and particularly encourage applications from women and individuals underrepresented in science. As a certified "Work and Family” employer, we offer a flexible and family-friendly workplace.

Applications should be submitted via our online portal: https://application.mdc-berlin.de by November 16, 2025 . Please upload a single PDF file (max. 8 MB) including: Cover letter, curriculum vitae with publication list, summary of past, current, and future research (3 pages recommended). In addition, please arrange for three letters of reference to be sent directly to faculty-recruitment@mdc-berlin.de by the deadline.

Initial Zoom interviews are expected to take place in the first week of December.

For scientific inquiries about the position please contact Prof. Dr. Nikolaus Rajewsky at rajewsky@mdc-berlin.de or Dr. Mina Gouti at mina.gouti@mdc-berlin.de. For informal inquiries about the MDC or the application process, please contact Dr. Katharina Brecht at katharina.brecht@mdc-berlin.de.