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The Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS) was established in 2010 by the physicist and SAP co-founder Klaus Tschira (1940-2015) and the Klaus Tschira Foundation as a private, non-profit research institute. HITS conducts basic research in the natural sciences, mathematics and computer science with a focus on the processing, structuring, and analyzing of large amounts of complex data and the development of computational methods and software. The research fields range from molecular biology to astrophysics.

An essential characteristic of the Institute is interdisciplinarity, implemented in numerous cross-group and cross-disciplinary projects. The base funding of HITS is provided by the Klaus Tschira Foundation.

HITS is looking to appoint a fully funded

Junior Group Leader in Computational Molecular Life Sciences (f/m/x)

Your Role

We are seeking an outstanding scientist to head a research group at HITS. The research group is expected to develop molecular-level AI-based and/or simulation approaches to address fundamental biological questions and/or important societal challenges, such as planetary resilience, sustainable biomaterials, human health or green chemistry. The activities of the new research group should complement the existing groups at HITS, particularly through the SIMPLAIX initiative.

What qualifies you for this job

  • PhD in a relevant discipline, such as computational biochemistry, biophysics or a related discipline and at least 2 years of postdoctoral research experience with a proven track record of scientific excellence and high-quality publications.
  • Leadership potential, including the ability to mentor students and early-career researchers, supervise projects, and foster a collaborative and inclusive research environment.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to work effectively across disciplinary boundaries and engage with experimental and computational research teams.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

We offer

HITS offers a vibrant research community and a highly interdisciplinary and international working environment, with outstanding computing resources. It is embedded in a rich local environment for life science research, with Heidelberg University and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) being HITS shareholders along with the HITS Foundation.

  • Five-year contract to establish and develop an independent research group.
  • Competitive salary and funding to support research activities and the implementation of an ambitious scientific program.
  • Access to state-of-the-art computational infrastructure and a stimulating interdisciplinary research environment.
  • Support for career development, scientific networking, and in securing external research funding.

As an organisation affiliated with the Klaus Tschira Foundation (KTS), we offer a wide range of benefits:

  • Flexible working hours, 30 days of vacation, additional company holidays, and the option to work remotely on a pro-rata basis.
  • Job ticket/ job bike, fitness and childcare subsidies, capital-forming benefits, company pension plan, health screen vouchers, and other attractive benefits.
  • Free car park and bicycle parking spaces with charging facilities.
  • Varied and subsidized meals in our in-house canteen with free drinks and a coffee and tea bar.

Find more information about Working at HITS.

To apply, please submit online

  • Cover letter, including your motivation
  • Curriculum vitae
  • List of publications
  • Summary of past research
  • Outline of future research interests
  • Up to three selected publications
  • Names and contact information of two references to be added in the online form

For informal enquiries about the position, please contact Prof. Rebecca Wade

Applications must be submitted by 22.12.2026 via online application system (link below) . Applications submitted through any other channel will not be considered.

HITS gGmbH stands for equal opportunities and we strongly believe that our research benefits from inclusive and diverse teams.

Contact person

HR Team