Mathematical Modeller (PhD/Postdoc) – Diagnostics for respiratory infections (m/f/d)

Mathematical Modeller (PhD/Postdoc) – Diagnostics for respiratory infections (m/f/d)

PhD or Postdoc possible

wanted for a start on April 1, 2026 at Infectious Disease and Tropical Medicine (IDTM).

Who we are: The Department of Infectious Disease and Tropical Medicine at Heidelberg University Hospital has a clinical and research mandate. The department is embedded in a research-active university campus (incl. the Heidelberg Institute for Global Health). On the research side ( our department hosts a diverse and interdisciplinary team working across diagnostic innovation, clinical and implementation research, mathematical modelling, data science, and health-economic evaluation. We collaborate closely with other leading academic institutions (e.g., Harvard, UCSF, Johns Hopkins), global research networks (R2D2, Smart4TB), global health organisations such as WHO, and industry partners. Our environment is collaborative, supportive, and focused on generating actionable research to improve global health.

We are seeking a mathematical modeller to join our Modelling & Data Science Team and support two international research projects aiming to advance diagnostic tools for tuberculosis and respiratory infections (incl. breath-based tools) through clinical, engineering, and modelling innovation (BreathForDx & B-Path; European Research Counsil [ERC]). You conceive and design modelling and health economic analyses to generate estimates of health impact and cost-effectiveness, suitable to characterize potential use cases.

The position is available for 2 years with the intention to extend dependent on acquisition of 3rd party funding.

Job-ID: V000015211

Field of application: Infektions- und Tropenmedizin

Location: Heidelberg

Job Category: Science and teaching

Working hours: full-/ part-time (65 % - 100%)

Published: 15.01.2026

Limitation:Temporary (2 years)

Contract:TV-L

Your Tasks

Contribute to use cases for novel diagnostic tools and develop and implement mathematical and computational models (microsimulation, agent-based, state-transition, or dynamic transmission models) to assess their potential health and economic impact (incl scenario and uncertainty analysis

Use experimental, clinical and programmatic datasets for model parameterisation, calibration, and validation.

Foster collaboration with project partners, stakeholders, and international organisations as part of large multi-country research initiatives and maintain transparent communication with stakeholders and funders

Monitor study and project progress against milestones, ensuring delivery within scope, timelines and budgets

Contribute to scientific communication, including drafting manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications and preparing scientific and project presentations (with opportunities for international travel) and participate in funding applications for additional research.

Your Profile

Masters degree (for PhD-level appointment) or PhD (postdoc-level), or equivalent expertise in epidemiology, biostatistics, applied mathematics, computer science, biomedical engineering, physics, health economics, or related quantitative field

Strong quantitative and programming skills (preferably R, NetLogo, or similar)

Experience in infectious disease modelling, microsimulation, diagnostic modelling, or health-economic evaluation

Motivation to work on challenges in TB diagnostic research

Strong communication skills in English and ability to work in interdisciplinary, international teams

What we offer

Goal-oriented, individual training and development opportunities