Mathematical Modeller (PhD/Postdoc) – DFG Emmy Noether Project “OpTBtreat” (m/f/d)

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 Emmy Noether Research Group “OpTBtreat (Optimising tuberculosis treatment: causal inference framework and mathematical modelling to support the development, prioritisation, and impact assessment of novel tools and strategies), funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). The successful candidate will contribute to evidence synthesis, develop mathematical models of TB treatment, and conduct health‑economic analyses to evaluate strategies aimed at improving health outcomes among people treated in TB programmes worldwide.

The position is suitable for candidates at PhD or postdoctoral level and is available for a duration of up to 3 years.

Your Tasks

• Develop and apply mathematical models (including microsimulation, agent- based, state-transition models) to simulate tools and interventions used before, during and after tuberculosis treatment; assess their potential health impact and cost‑implications for improving patient outcomes.
• Contribute to evidence synthesis on determinants of unfavourable health outcomes among patients receiving programmatic TB treatment.
• Engage with and contribute to related research projects within the group, foster collaboration with project partners, stakeholders, and international organisations.
• Monitor study and project progress against defined milestones, supporting delivery within agreed 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 the development of funding applications for additional research projects.

Your Profile

• Master’s degree (for PhD-level appointment) or PhD (postdoc-level), or equivalent expertise in epidemiology, biomathematics, applied mathematics, computer science, biomedical engineering, physics, health economics, or related quantitative field.
• Strong quantitative and programming skills (e.g. R, NetLogo, or similar).
• Experience in infectious disease modelling and/or model-based health-economic evaluation.
• Motivation to work on challenges in TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Strong communication skills in English and ability to work in interdisciplinary, international teams.

About us

For further information please contact via e-mail or phone.

Interested?

Applications will be accepted until in our online portal. Please include motivation letter and CV. Emailed applications will not be considered.