Three Independent Group Leader Positions in Bioengineering Approaches to Human Health m/f/d

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.

• Establish and lead an independent, innovative research program in bioengineering
• Secure competitive external funding
• Actively contribute to collaborations within the MDC and with national and international partners

Requirements

• PhD and outstanding scientific qualifications in bioengineering or related disciplines
• Strong research potential, demonstrated by publications and international visibility
• Ability to establish an independent, innovative research program and secure external funding
• Interdisciplinary orientation and interest in collaborations within the MDC and with external partners
• Leadership skills and commitment to mentoring junior researchers
• Openness to a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative 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 (“berufundfamilie audit”)
• Support for "New Berliners" through the MDC Welcome & Family Office

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