Think beyond the limits!

Do you have an ambitious research idea that you wish to pursue in your postdoc? Are you interested in theoretical or computational science in an interdisciplinary environment? Then HITS is the perfect place for the next step in your research career.

We invite you to apply for the

HITS Independent Postdoc Program

The HITS Independent Postdoc Program offers a great opportunity for highly talented young scientists wanting to transition from PhD student to junior group leader. It supports young scientists in exploring their own ideas and testing new hypotheses. High-risk, high-gain projects are encouraged. Selected candidates will interact with existing groups at HITS while developing and pursuing their independent research projects.

The institute and research focus

The Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS) was established in 2010 by physicist and SAP co-founder Klaus Tschira (1940-2015) and the Klaus Tschira Foundation as a private, non-profit research institute. HITS conducts basic research in the natural, mathematical and computer sciences with a focus on the processing, structuring, and analyzing of large amounts of complex data and the development of computational methods and software. The research fields range from molecular biology to astrophysics.

Your research agenda should overlap with one or more research areas at HITS:

• Complex simulations across scales: From molecules to stars
• Making sense of data: From words to weather
• Enabling the future of reproducible, data intensive research: From algorithms to knowledge discovery

What we offer

The HITS Independent Postdoc Fellowship is awarded for 2 years, with an option for a 1-year extension after positive evaluation.

We offer a vibrant research community and a highly interdisciplinary and international working environment, with close links to Heidelberg University and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.

In addition, successful candidates benefit from outstanding computing resources. A competitive salary, relocation and childcare allowances are provided.

Find more information about Working at HITS.

Eligibility and requirements

• Candidates must hold a doctoral degree or an equivalent academic qualification at the beginning of the fellowship.
• Application is open to candidates up to 3 years after completion of their PhD at the application deadline. This limit can be extended in the case of documented career breaks, e.g. due to parental leave.
• Candidates have not carried out research at HITS previously, except for brief visits, and the main thread of their research has not been in collaboration with a HITS group leader either.

Application material

Please send us your CV and a letter of motivation answering the question “How would I benefit from doing research at HITS?” In addition, a short project proposal (2 pages) is required. Please provide contact details of two referees.

Applications must be submitted by November 1, 2026. Short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview. The results are expected to be announced in February 2027.

Incomplete applications and applications that have not been submitted via the online system will not be considered.

If you have any questions, please contact: [email protected]

HITS gGmbH stands for equal opportunities and we strongly believe that our research benefits from inclusive and diverse teams.