DZNE is a world-leading, internationally oriented center for cutting-edge research into diseases of the nervous system.

At 10 locations in Germany, around 1,200 employees are working together on new approaches to better understand and effectively combat diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and ALS. 

That is our goal - maybe soon yours too? Become part of the DZNE and support us in realizing our research strategy!

Postdoctoral (f/m/x) Scientist Epidemiology

Code: 1425/2025/5

The job holder will be part of the Population Health Sciences group, led by Prof Dr Dr Monique M B Breteler, and located at the headquarters of the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) in Bonn. Our research is primarily based on the Rhineland Study, a prospective cohort study that emphasizes deep phenotyping. The cohort currently consists of more than 10,000 participants with further recruitment ongoing and follow-up examinations starting in October 2022. The comprehensive data collection includes detailed structural and functional brain imaging, cognitive and behavioral assessments, cardiovascular investigations, sensory systems assessments, questions on medical history, lifestyle, nutrition and mental health, assessment of medication intake, and collection of biomaterials. Moreover, we have already obtained extensive blood-based biomarker data from our participants, including (epi-)genomic arrays, RNA-seq data, metabolomics, lipidomics, and immune profiling, as well as gut microbiome analyses.  

Your role in detail

• Contributing to ongoing research projects in the field of neurodegenerative diseases

• Independently developing and leading research projects in line with the research group's focus

• Conceptualizing research questions, performing formal data analyses, interpret and report results, and draft and revise manuscripts

• Organizing and conducting data collection

• Cleaning and post-processing data

• Supervising PhD and Master’s students

• Actively participating in national and international projects and collaborations

Your qualifications

• PhD in Epidemiology

• Proven research excellence (e.g. publications, project experience)

• Strong analytical skills

• Excellent communication skills

• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, team-oriented environment

What our employees value

• Innovation and internationality a forward-looking infrastructure, modern laboratory and office equipment, software tools and the opportunity for international exchange with your colleagues from 65 nations
• Work-life balance - we reconcile work and private life with flexible working hours, mobile working, 30 days' holiday (On top free on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve) and subsidised job/ Germany ticket options
• Family-conscious corporate culture - because we know that family is important, we support you with parent-child offices, family services and daycare co-operations
• Health promotion – through our extensive range of company health programmes, in cooperation with Sozialwerk.Bund
• Focus on development - excellent publication opportunities and great potential for the further development of your own research profile
• Remuneration and conditions according to TVöD-Bund - including annual special payment, capital-forming benefits and VBL supplementary pension scheme
• Personalised Onboarding - for a good start to your new professional challenge
• A feel-good working environment - our Bonn employees enjoy a campus surrounded by greenery, with on-site parking and public transport connections as well our company restaurant
• The position is initially limited to 6 months with the possibility of extension

How to apply  

Interested applicants should submit, as one single PDF file, a CV, transcripts, and a cover letter describing your motivation to apply for this position, including research interest and experience, through the link below.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. 

For inquiries about the position, please contact Prof Dr Dr Monique Breteler at population-research@dzne.de  

Site

Application deadline

22.05.2025