W3 Professorship in Translational Hepatitis Virus Research (m/f/d)
The Heidelberg Medical Faculty of the University of Excellence Heidelberg is an outstanding location for innovative research, both nationally and internationally. The scientific institutes and clinics on the Heidelberg campus combine experience in practice‐oriented and interdisciplinary training and teaching with modern research at the highest level.
At the Medical Faculty Heidelberg of Heidelberg University, within the Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology and in association with the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), a
W3 Professorship in Translational Hepatitis Virus Research (m/f/d)
is to be filled at the earliest possible date.
Your Tasks
We are seeking an outstanding scientist with a strong international track record in virology and an independent research profile in hepatitis virus research, as demonstrated by high-impact publications and the successful acquisition of external funding. The successful candidate will represent the field of virology in both research and teaching and is expected to enthusiastically contribute to teaching in the Human Medicine degree program and the English-language Master’s program in ‘Molecular Bioscience’ at the Faculty of Biosciences.
The research program should address fundamental and translational questions centered on viral hepatitis and contribute to the development of new approaches to diagnosis, prevention and therapy. Particular emphasis will be placed on a strong translational approach, with the aim of translating mechanistic insights into the biology and pathogenesis of hepatitis viruses into clinically relevant applications. Innovative research approaches to hepatitis B, hepatitis D and/or hepatitis E viruses (HBV, HDV, HEV) are encouraged, particularly regarding mechanisms of viral replication, pathogenesis, and virus-host interactions. Experience with innovative experimental model systems and technologies, including physiologically relevant cell culture and organoid models, is welcomed.
The professorship is intended to strengthen and further develop the Faculty’s existing strategic research focus in virology and infectious diseases. The successful candidate is expected to engage actively in collaborative research projects within the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), the Department of Infectious Diseases, and with the broader clinical and basic research environment in Heidelberg.
The Department of Infectious Diseases is a dynamic and innovative research center focusing on elucidating viral replication cycles, the pathogenesis of viral infections, and pathogen-host interactions. The Molecular Virology department currently comprises six independent research groups and is closely integrated into the Department of Infectious Diseases (https://www.klinikum.uni-heidelberg.de/zentrum-fuer-infektiologie/molecular-virology/). The research group will be located in the modern Center for Integrative Infectious Diseases Research (CIID), which offers outstanding infrastructure and excellent conditions for research and teaching in an international environment, including state-of-the-art biosafety laboratories (BSL1-3) and numerous core technology platforms with a particular focus on imaging.
Your Profile
Applicants must hold a university degree and doctorate in a natural science discipline or in human medicine, including a habilitation or equivalent academic achievement. Candidates must demonstrate excellence in teaching, possess an established international reputation, have a strong track record of successfully securing competitive third-party funding, and a proven ability to engage in interdisciplinary research collaborations.
Contact:
Please address your application to the Dean of the Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Prof. Dr Michael Boutros, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 672, 69120 Heidelberg, and submit the required documents electronically by 10.08.2026 in accordance with the criteria set out on the Faculty Office website: https://www.medizinische-fakultaet-hd.uni-heidelberg.de/fakultaet/akademische-laufbahn/berufungen.
Reference is made to the further appointment requirements set out in § 47 and § 48 (2) of the Baden-Württemberg Higher Education Act (LHG), as well as to the provisions of § 49 (2a) LHG regarding the status under public service law.
Heidelberg University aims to increase the proportion of female professors and strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration if equally qualified.