Research Associate / Doctoral Candidate (m/f/d/x)

The Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology – BIPS GmbH invites applications for a position to be filled at the earliest possible date within the Department of Epidemiological Methods and Etiological Research as a

Research Associate / Doctoral Candidate (m/f/d/x)

Salary Scale 13 TV-L, 27.5 hours/week (Part-time: 70%).

Starting as soon as possible for the duration of 3 years (with the possibility of extension depending upon funding)

The scientific work of this position is aimed at bridging social and molecular epidemiology, investigating how socioeconomic disparities influence molecular aging across the life course. The successful candidate will analyse population data to examine how social factors are associated with early biological changes, functional decline, and accelerated aging. The position entails close cross-departmental collaborations within BIPS, particularly with the Social Epidemiology unit in the Department of Prevention and Evaluation—and active participation in the Leibniz Research Alliance Resilient Ageing (LRA-RA).

Tasks

• Planning, conducting, and implementing epidemiological research within the scope of the department's focus areas.
• Statistical modelling and data analysis of large-scale, longitudinal population-based cohort studies (e.g., the IDEFICS/I. Family cohort and the NAKO Health Study).
• Preparation of scientific manuscripts for international, peer-reviewed journals and presentation of research findings at scientific conferences.
• Support in the planning, coordination, and administrative management of ongoing and future research projects within the respective research areas.

Requirements

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Public Health, Bioinformatics, Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Medical/Biological Sciences, or a related quantitative or biomedical discipline.
• Strong motivation for conducting rigorous data analysis and expanding skills in advanced statistical modelling, with the ability to interpret statistical results within a population health context. Prior experience with epidemiological data analysis is advantageous but not mandatory.
• Sound knowledge of epidemiological research methods, including capacity to independently conduct systematic literature reviews, formulate structured analytical questions, and execute statistical data plans.
• Good writing skills, excellent English proficiency (written and spoken), and a demonstrated capacity for collaborative, interdisciplinary teamwork.

Desirable Qualifications and Skills: Operational knowledge and programming skills in at least one standard statistical software (such as R, SAS, or STATA) are highly advantageous. Furthermore, prior experience with high-throughput omics data processing, familiarity with advanced statistical modelling frameworks (including social epidemiology applications and longitudinal analysis), and a proven track record of peer-reviewed scientific publications in epidemiology or public health are highly desirable.

Benefits

The Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology – BIPS is one of Germany’s most renowned epidemiological research institutes, aiming to identify the causes of health problems and develop new concepts for disease prevention in close cooperation with national and international partners. We offer an international research environment, a state-of-the-art computing and data infrastructure, institutional links to the academic network of the University of Bremen, and a structured scientific qualification framework. Academic development and scientific qualification are integrated components of this role. For doctoral candidates, BIPS offers a structured PhD programme in conjunction with the University of Bremen. BIPS holds the audit ‘berufundfamilie’ (work and family) certificate and actively promotes the compatibility of career and individual lifestyle through flexible working hours, mobile working options, and continuous professional development. We also offer additional support for international scholars to relocate to Germany through the Welcome Center of the U Bremen Research Alliance.

Among equally qualified applicants, preference will be given to severely disabled candidates.

Inquiries:

For specific inquiries regarding the position, please contact:

Prof. Dr. Krasimira Aleksandrova, Tel: +49-(0)-421 / 218-56816
Prof. Dr. med. Hajo Zeeb, Tel: +49-(0)-421 / 218-56902

Additional information can be found at our website

Please submit your comprehensive application in PDF format, compiled as a single unified document, quoting reference number A26-19 by July 31, 2026 via Mail.

Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology -BIPS
Human Resources Department
Achterstraße 30
28359 Bremen
Germany

Das Leibniz-Institut für Präventionsforschung und Epidemiologie – BIPS GmbH ist eines der renommiertesten epidemiologischen Forschungsinstitute in Deutschland.