Epidemiologist (Scientist/Postdoc) (m/f/d)

Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC)

Berlin-Buch

Epidemiologist (Scientist/Postdoc) (m/f/d)

Team: Molecular Epidemiology 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.

The Molecular Epidemiology Research Group at the MDC in Berlin‑Buch studies the relationship between lifestyle, genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors with risk and outcome of chronic diseases in human populations at the molecular level. The group actively contributes to the German National Cohort (NAKO), a population-based prospective cohort study of more than 205,000 participants that aims to examine risk factors for major common chronic diseases in Germany. Since 2014, NAKO participants take part in deep phenotyping examinations (repeated in 5-year intervals), including physical and medical examinations (including MRI measurements), collection of biomaterials, personal interviews, and completion of questionnaires, and are followed up for incident diseases. Genotyping, whole genome sequencing, and omics analyses of biological samples from study participants are ongoing and are expected to be available this year.

We are looking for an epidemiologist with a strong background and expertise in genetic epidemiology, molecular epidemiology, data science or bioinformatics.

Job Description

• planning, management and organization of epidemiologic research projects in the area of molecular and genetic epidemiology (with emphasis on omics technologies)
• development of data analysis plans
• data analysis of complex data from phenotyping, genotyping, sequencing and other omics sources
• collaboration with national and international partners
• presentation at conferences
• publication in national and international peer reviewed journals

Requirements

• master’s degree in epidemiology or public health
• master’s degree in life sciences (nutrition, biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics) or medical degree
• doctoral degree
• experience in the analysis of genetic and molecular data in large human cohort studies
• fluent in English
• experience in the tasks listed in the job description
• we are not looking for persons who in the past have primarily worked in wet labs

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

You also benefit from:

• a remuneration in accordance with the collective agreement for the federal public service (TVöD Bund), including additional company pension schemes
• a secure job
• 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

Salary

Remuneration will be according to the TVöD Bund, depending on the personal requirements, up to the fee group E13

Employment volume

Full time

Desired starting date

April 1, 2026

Limitation

Fixed term
The position is limited to 2 years with the possibility of extension

Application period

February 16, 2026

Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Excellence in science and innovation depends on a diverse, inclusive, and respectful environment. At the Max Delbrück Center, we are committed to creating such a space — one where individuals from all backgrounds can grow scientifically, professionally, and personally. As a values-driven research institute, we recognize that diversity of thought, experience, and identity is essential to our mission: advancing biomedical research to transform tomorrow’s medicine. We foster a culture of curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and shared responsibility for equity and openness. We welcome applications from individuals of all genders, cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences, especially those who bring new perspectives and a collaborative spirit to our international team. Applicants are considered based on qualifications and experience, free from discrimination. We particularly welcome applications from individuals with disabilities and will ensure appropriate support is provided.

Please get in touch with any questions

Prof. Dr. Tobias Pischon
Molekulare Epidemiologie
epidemiologie@mdc-berlin.de

Apply now

Please use our online portal and submit your application including a cover letter, CV (without photo, age and information about your family status) and other relevant attachments.

If you have a foreign degree, please submit proof of the recognition of your Master's degree in Germany with your application. The proof can be determined via the anabin database and can be submitted as a PDF attachment to the application. Further information can be found at Recognition of Degrees and Achievements.

For information on fair mobility, click here: https://www.fair-labour-mobility.eu/.