The Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS gGmbH) and the Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR) in cooperation with the Faculty of Biosciences at Heidelberg University invite applications for a
Full Professorship (W3) in “Molecular Biophysics” (f/m/d, tenured)
to be filled at the earliest possible date.
For this joint appointment we are seeking an outstanding candidate to head a research group at HITS and contribute to the research and teaching activities at the IWR and the Faculty of Biosciences. The research group at HITS is expected to address fundamental questions in molecular biophysics from a theoretical and/or computational perspective. The activities of the new research group should complement the existing groups at HITS, particularly through the SIMPLAIX initiative (www.simplaix.org) as well as related activities at Heidelberg University and other research organizations in the region. The successful candidate will be a member of the Faculty of Biosciences and the IWR, with the possibility of additional affiliations. The position offers full salary support (W3 level) and a competitive research funding package.
The Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS gGmbH) (www.h-its.org) 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, mathematical and computer sciences 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. HITS offers a vibrant research community and a highly interdisciplinary and international working environment, with outstanding computing resources.
The Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR) (web.iwr.uni-heidelberg.de) was founded in 1987. Its mission is to foster interdisciplinary research and method development in scientific computing in modeling, simulation and optimization, as well as machine learning and data science. With more than fifty members from the faculties of mathematics and computer science, biosciences, physics and astronomy, chemistry and earth sciences, engineering sciences, medicine, philosophy, as well as behavioral and cultural sciences, IWR bridges methods and applications. Its Scientific Software Center (SSC) supports IWR′s mission by developing sustainable scientific software and by training researchers in software engineering. IWR′s facilities include several state-of-the-art compute servers, which can be used by all members. These facilities are complemented by the scientific core facilities on campus (https://www.uni-heidelberg.de/en/research/research-profile/fields-of-focus/field-of-focus-i/cellnetworks-core-technology-platform-cctp).
The Faculty of Biosciences at Heidelberg University is one of the most attractive faculties for life science in Europe in terms of research and teaching. It covers a broad spectrum of research areas, from molecular biosciences to biodiversity. The professorship will contribute to teaching in the area of molecular biophysics in the Bachelor of Biosciences, Master of Molecular Biosciences, and the Bachelor and Master of Biochemistry study programs. Participation in collaborative research networks (e.g. DFG Collaborative Research Centers and Research Training Groups) is encouraged.
Candidates are expected to hold a doctorate in Biophysics or a related discipline and have relevant research and teaching experience at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. They must have developed a strong independent research profile in the field and have outstanding research and publication records corresponding to their career stage.
The application package should include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a list of current research support, a summary of teaching experience and a teaching statement, a research summary, an outline of future research interests, as well as a list of references including contact information. In accordance with article 47 (1) of the Higher Education Law of the state of Baden-Württemberg (LHG) the appointment requires a university degree, an outstanding doctorate and pedagogical aptitude, which is usually proven by teaching experience. A habilitation, a successfully evaluated junior professorship or equivalent qualifications is an additional requirement (in accordance with article 47 (2) LHG). The appointment will follow either the “Berliner Modell” or the “Jülicher Modell” for joint appointments between HITS and Heidelberg University.
Applications should be compiled as a single pdf file and be addressed to Prof. Dr. Alexis Maizel, Vice-Dean for Research of the Faculty of Biosciences and Prof. Dr. Roland Herzog, Managing Director of IWR, and sent no later than 31.03.2025 by e-mail to office-directorate@iwr.uni-heidelberg.de.
Heidelberg University and HITS stand for equal opportunities and diversity. Qualified female candidates are especially invited to apply. Persons with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are equally qualified. Information on job advertisements and the collection of personal data is available at www.uni-heidelberg.de/en/job-market.
