2026 PhD Position in Vector-Borne Disease Modelling at Heidelberg University Germany

At the Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR) at Heidelberg University, the following position (75%) for up to 3 years is to be filled by 01.01.2026 PhD position (f/m/d) in Vector-Borne Disease Modelling. The place of employment is Heidelberg, in the Climate-Sensitive Infectious Diseases lab (CSIDlab) at the Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR).

Funded by the ”Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space” (BMFTR), CSIDlab as part of the “Vector-borne disease modelling in Germany – preparing for contemporary and future risk” (VBD-MODE) consortium, is tasked with enhancing modeling and prediction of VBD emergence and outbreak patterns in Germany, and to estimate current and future disease risk and burden across multiple pathogens with environment- and climate-sensitivity.

Your Tasks:

• Building a diverse set of models for short-term predictions and the long-term future scenario simulation of VBD. Including machine learning, statistical, and process-based models.
• Present findings at scientific conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• Contribute to the academic environment of the research group and participate in training activities.
• Co-organize and participate in workshops and other internal and external events.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineNovember 21, 2025
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorHeidelberg University
• City to studyBaden-Württemberg
• School to studyHeidelberg University
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

This position is part of a larger interdisciplinary project involving collaborations between epidemiologists, ecologists, entomologists, and public health experts, providing an excellent opportunity for cross-disciplinary training and impact-driven research, offering

• To Pursue your own doctoral project to obtain a PhD within the project framework.
• A stimulating interdisciplinary and international environment at Germany’s oldest university
• Individualized mentoring; Access to training and development opportunities at Heidelberg University
• Subsidized Deutschlandticket for German public transport

The position is limited up to 3 years, starting 01.01.2026; salaries are based on the German public sector remuneration system (TV-L, E13, 75%).

Application Deadline

How To Apply

Please submit the following documents in a single PDF file:

• A cover letter describing your background, research interests, and motivation. (max. 1 page)
• A detailed CV
• Academic transcripts.
• Contact details for two academic referees.

to [email protected] by email with the subject line: “PhD Application – VBD Modeling” and your name.

For more information, kindly visit Heidelberg University scholarship webpage.