Research Group Leaders in the field of CardioVascular Biology

HI-TAC seeks Research Group Leaders in the field of CardioVascular Biology

The Helmholtz Institute for Translational AngioCardioScience (HI-TAC) is a branch of the Max Delbrück Center on the campus of Heidelberg University. The Max Delbrück Center and the Mannheim and Heidelberg Medical Faculties of the University of Heidelberg jointly founded HI-TAC. HI-TAC will develop a unique systemic approach in the emerging field of cardiovascular communication biology, which is operationally designated as AngioCardioScience. Translational research at HI-TAC aims at developing a new scientific program centered on communication biology and dedicated to understanding cardiovascular functions on a systemic level during homeostasis, aging and pathological conditions. It will exploit its findings in the area of cross-organ interactions for the development of translational applications.

HI-TAC is currently in the build up phase and will provide a modern place for 100 scientists to conduct research and work in Heidelberg and Mannheim. Join our team and build up the HI-TAC together with the Max Delbrück Center and the University of Heidelberg.

Job Description

Establish your independent research group and help shape the future of AngioCardioScience.

We invite applications from outstanding early-career scientists with a strong scientific track record and a compelling vision for an independent research program that advances our understanding of cardiovascular biology. We particularly encourage innovative and interdisciplinary approaches, including perspectives from fields beyond traditional cardiovascular research.

Areas of particular interest include the cardiac microenvironment, cardiac/vascular metabolism and mechanobiology, cardiac/vascular-immune interactions and inflammatory pathways, cardiovascular malformations, inter-organ interactions, regeneration, and aging. We are especially interested in interdisciplinary approaches that explore how vascular and cardiac cells communicate with their surrounding tissues and contribute to physiological function, tissue homeostasis and disease.

Requirements

• A PhD or MD/PhD degree and a strong record of scientific achievements.
• An original, ambitious and well-defined independent research vision.
• The potential to establish and lead a successful research group.
• Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research and scientific collaboration.

What we offer

• Scientific independence: The freedom to establish your own research group and pursue an ambitious, independent research program.
• Shape a new institute: A unique opportunity to contribute to HI-TAC's scientific identity, research directions and collaborative culture from an early stage.
• Strong institutional support: Generous start-up funding to establish and develop your independent research group, including resources for personnel, consumables and equipment, for up to nine years, subject to midterm review after four years.
• Excellent research environment: Access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure, advanced technologies, core facilities and scientific expertise across the Max Delbrück Center and Heidelberg University.
• A unique collaborative network: Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across the Max Delbrück Center, Heidelberg University and the Life Science Alliance.
• Scientific mentorship: Structured mentorship and career development support.

HI-TAC operates at two sites: its Heidelberg location is based at the Institute of Experimental Cardiology, Heidelberg, and its Mannheim location is embedded in the biomedical research environment of University Medicine Mannheim. Non-tenured Group Leader positions are planned across these locations, offering the opportunity to establish independent research groups within a vibrant scientific and clinical research environment.

We offer

• International working environment with communication in English and German.
• Interesting career opportunities and a range of opportunities for further qualification and training.
• Compatibility of family and career certified by the workandfamily audit.
• A remuneration in accordance with the collective agreement for the federal public service (TVöD-Bund), including additional company pension schemes.
• Flexible working hours.
• Subsidy for the Deutschlandticket.

Facts & figures

Workplace: HI-TAC Mannheim/Heidelberg

Salary: Remuneration will be in accordance with the TVöD Bund, depending on personal requirements, up to fee group 15.

Desired starting date: May 01, 2027

Limitation: Fixed Term. We offer funding for up to nine years, subject to midterm review after four years.

Team: Helmholtz Institute for Translational AngioCardioScience

Application Period: January 08, 2027

Employment volume: Full Time, 39 hours per week

Application Requirements

• A cover letter outlining your motivation to join HI-TAC.
• A curriculum vitae, including academic achievements and a publication list.
• A research statement (maximum five pages) presenting your scientific vision, proposed independent research program and its relevance to HI-TAC.

Applications should be submitted via our online portal by January 8, 2027.

Selected candidates will be invited to attend an in-person scientific symposium on March 4, 2027.

For scientific inquiries regarding the positions, please contact the HI-TAC directors Prof. Dr. Karina Yaniv and Prof. Dr. Johannes Backs.

If you hold a foreign PhD or Master's degree, please submit proof of its recognition in Germany with your application. The recognition status can be verified via the anabin database, and the relevant documentation can be submitted as a PDF attachment.