Research Engineer / Postdoc in Biomedical AI for Public Health Communication (f/m/x) Full-time NEW

Research Engineer / Postdoc in Biomedical AI for Public Health Communication (f/m/x)

At Helmholtz Munich, we develop groundbreaking solutions for a healthier society in a rapidly changing world. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. Through strong partnerships, we accelerate the transfer of new ideas from the lab to real-life applications, improving lives.

The project 'AI-enabled Quality Control and User Guidance for Public Health Communication' develops next-generation, transparent, and ethically responsible AI tools for public health communication in the age of generative AI.

Search engines increasingly generate AI-based summaries directly from trusted sources such as diabinfo.de without users visiting the original site. This threatens the visibility, verifiability, and perceived quality of public health information. Our mission is to build open-source technologies that preserve reliability and reach, ensuring that high-quality medical information remains measurable, verifiable, and accessible to everyone.

You will join an interdisciplinary collaboration between the Accessible Biomedical AI Research Group at Helmholtz Munich, the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), and the German Diabetes Center (DDZ)—linking cutting-edge AI development with editorial and clinical expertise.

Your Tasks

As a Research Engineer, you will take the lead in translating research ideas into robust, scalable, and user-ready systems. You will collaborate closely with a PhD researcher and the diabinfo.de editorial team to ensure that scientific and societal objectives are met in practice. Your core tasks include:

• Designing and implementing software pipelines for data acquisition, processing, and benchmarking of AI-generated content in health communication.
• Building APIs and dashboards to measure 'invisible use' of health information in AI-generated search results.
• Developing and deploying web-based tools and CMS plugins to integrate large language models (LLMs) into editorial workflows.
• Implementing and maintaining a chatbot system for trustworthy, context-aware health guidance on diabinfo.de.
• Ensuring robustness, low latency, and maintainability of deployed systems through modern DevOps practices.
• Collaborating with editorial, clinical, and AI research partners to translate user needs into technical solutions.

Your Profile

• Master's or PhD degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Software Engineering, Bioinformatics, Computational Linguistics, or a related field.
• Strong proficiency in Python (preferably FastAPI, Pandas, PyTorch or similar frameworks); experience in web or API development; familiarity with LLMs and NLP pipelines is highly desirable.
• Commitment to open-source principles and good software practice (git-based workflow, testing, documentation).
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team with scientists, engineers, and editors.
• Excellent written and spoken English and fluent or near-native German (required for daily interaction with the editorial team and for communication with the general public).
• Interest in translational AI, responsible innovation, and improving the societal impact of artificial intelligence.

If you fulfill all the requirements, you may be eligible for a salary grade of up to E 13. Social benefits are based on the Collective Wage Agreement for Public-Sector Employees (TVöD). The position has an (initial) fixed term of 2 years but may be extended under certain circumstances.

Managing Director Mike Frieser:

“We believe that diversity is the key to groundbreaking research and innovative solutions. Our flexible working models and remote options create a supportive environment for balancing work and family life. For us, contributing to a healthier society in such an inspiring workplace is truly meaningful.”

Get to know us

Benefits

• Career Development: Postdoc program, scientific training & career center with tailored offers
• Scientific Resources: State-of-the-art infrastructure and Core Facilities
• Recreation: 30 days annual leave, flexi days, plus public holidays
• International Staff Service: Support with the relocation and integration process in Germany
• Health Promotion: Sports, company doctor, mental health initiatives

Interested in Applying?

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Sebastian Lobentanzer, who will be happy to help. Our recruiting is decentralized – your application will be reviewed directly by the specialist department in which you could work in the future. More information about our application process Please send your application only via our online application tool and with the following documents:

• CV
• Cover letter
• Degrees/Diplomas/Certificates
• Contact details for at least two referees
• Your future research plan (3 pages max.)
• References from recent employers

If you have obtained a university degree abroad, we will require further documents from you regarding the comparability of your degree by the time you start work at the latest. Please request the Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications as early as possible.

We are committed to promoting a culture of diversity and welcome applications from talented people regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical abilities, religion or age. Qualified applicants with physical disabilities will be given preference.

Learn more about diversity at Helmholtz Munich

Our Commitment

Helmholtz Munich Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH) Institute of Computational Biology Ingolstädter Landstraße 1 85764 Neuherberg