Postdoc (f/m/x) in Epidemiology

Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers; Oberschleißheim; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

Flexi days

Relocation support in Germany

Health promotion

Job summary

Helmholtz Munich is seeking a Postdoc (F/M/X) in Epidemiology to scientifically coordinate a large-scale population-based case-control study on post-infectious diseases within the NAKO framework. You will work with the head office team to plan, coordinate biosample workflows, and analyze OMICS-integrated data.

The ideal candidate holds a doctoral degree in epidemiology or a related field, has experience with large population studies, and is proficient in R, Python, or SAS.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in epidemiology, biostatistics, medicine, public health, or a related field.
• Experience in epidemiological research using large-scale population-based studies.
• Advanced skills in at least one statistical programming environment (R, Python, SAS or comparable software).
• Structured, proactive and solution-oriented approach with strong communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate a large-scale population-based case-control study on post-infectious diseases, including design specification and participant selection.
• Collaborate with administrative project management at the NAKO head office.
• Coordinate biosample selection and provision across subprojects with the biorepository and partners.
• Analyze large-scale epidemiological cohort data and integrate molecular data from OMICS domains.
• Develop and pursue relevant epidemiological research questions with study design and statistical analyses.
• Publish findings and present at conferences.
• Contribute to grant applications and independent research proposals.

Skills

R/Python/SAS

Epidemiology research

Communication skills

Education

Doctoral degree in epidemiology/biostatistics/medicine/public health

Job description

Postdoc (F/M/X) In Epidemiology

At Helmholtz Munich, we develop groundbreaking solutions for a healthier society in a rapidly changing world. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. Through strong partnerships, we accelerate the transfer of new ideas from the lab to real-life applications, improving lives.

Our mission at the Institute of Epidemiology (EPI) is to understand the protective and harmful effects of the environment, genes, and lifestyle on human health and disease using population-based epidemiology approaches. Knowledge of these interactions leads to novel targeted prevention and intervention approaches for cardiometabolic diseases.

A cornerstone of our work is the German National Cohort (NAKO Gesundheitsstudie), Germany's largest long‑term population study. Since 2014, the study prospectively investigates more than 205,000 adults in 18 study centers nation‑wide. NAKO is a major resource for population-based epidemiology, aiming to provide unique data and biosamples for innovative research today, and cutting‑edge next‑generation research tomorrow.

Your Tasks

• Scientifically coordinate a large‑scale population‑based case‑control study on post‑infectious diseases, including specification of the study design, case and control selection, project planning, and coordination with scientific partners and stakeholders
• Collaborate with administrative project management at NAKO head office
• Coordinate biosample selection and provision across subprojects in close collaboration with the NAKO biorepository, research partners, and external service providers
• Analyze large‑scale epidemiological cohort data and integrate molecular data from different OMICS domains, such as genomics, serolomics, epigenetics, and proteomics
• Independently develop and pursue relevant epidemiological research questions, including study design and statistical analyses
• Publish research findings in scientific journals and present results at scientific conferences
• Contribute to the development of grant applications and initiate independent research proposals

Your Profile

• Doctoral degree in epidemiology, biostatistics, medicine, public health, or a related field
• Experience in epidemiological research using large‑scale population‑based studies, with strong knowledge of study designs and statistical modelling
• Advanced skills in at least one statistical programming environment, such as R, Python, SAS, or comparable software
• A structured, proactive and solution‑oriented way of working, strong communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams

Desirable qualifications

• Experience coordinating complex scientific projects and working in multi‑institutional collaborations
• Experience in infectious or post‑infectious disease epidemiology and in designing and conducting (matched) case‑control studies
• Experience with biorepositories and biosample workflows, including selection, retrieval, aliquoting and transfer to partners or service providers
• Experience analyzing, integrating or interpreting OMICS data, such as genomics, epigenetics, proteomics or serolomics

If you fulfill all the requirements, you may be eligible for a salary grade of up to E 13. Social benefits are based on the Collective Wage Agreement for Public‑Sector Employees (TVöD). This position is for a fixed term until 31.12.2028.

Managing Director Mike Frieser: “We believe that diversity is the key to groundbreaking research and innovative solutions. Our flexible working models and remote options create a supportive environment for balancing work and family life. For us, contributing to a healthier society in such an inspiring workplace is truly meaningful.”

Get to know us

Benefits

• Career Development: Postdoc program, scientific training & career center with tailored offers
• Scientific Resources: State‑of‑the‑art infrastructure and Core Facilities
• Recreation: 30 days annual leave, flexi days, plus public holidays
• International Staff Service: Support with the relocation and integration process in Germany
• Health Promotion: Sports, company doctor, mental health initiatives

We are committed to promoting a culture of diversity and welcome applications from talented people regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical abilities, religion or age. In case of equal qualifications, preference will be given to applicants with severe disabilities.

Helmholtz Munich Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH) Institute of Epidemiology Ingolstädter Landstraße 1 85764 Neuherberg