Research Associate / Postdoc (m/f/d) (60%) in the field of Global Child Health

Witten/Herdecke University (UW/H) is Germany’s first privately funded university. It was founded in 1982 and has since established itself as a leading educational institution in Germany. Today, the university employs more than 900 staff members, and a total of 3,700 students are enrolled in the Faculties of Health Sciences and of Economics and Social Sciences in Witten.

The Friede Springer Endowed Professorship in Global Child Health at Witten/Herdecke University is one of the leading academic institutions for global child health in Germany. As a WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Child Health and in partnership with the Else Kröner Center for Global Child Health (EKC-GCH) in Malawi, the research group combines excellent research with international collaboration, teaching and health system development. Our research focuses on strengthening primary care systems for children and young people, improving the quality of care, promoting children’s rights, and developing and implementing evidence-based strategies for the sustainable strengthening of health systems. Together with partner institutions in Germany and worldwide, we design innovative research, teaching and development projects with direct relevance to practice.

We are seeking for a Research Associate/Postdoc (m/f/d) starting at September 1, 2026, part-time (24 hours). The position is limited to a fixed term of 48 months.

• Strategic coordination and management of the EKC-GCH on the German side and in close collaboration with partner institutions in Malawi.
• Planning, coordinating and monitoring the implementation of project objectives, milestones and quality standards.
• Providing scientific support and quality assurance for international research and development projects.
• Ensuring compliance with scientific, ethical and regulatory standards.
• Coordinating collaboration with national and international partner institutions, as well as maintaining and expanding strategic networks.
• Acting as the point of contact for funding bodies and contributing to project and grant management.
• Developing and securing third-party funding, as well as providing support in the design of new funding applications.
• Promoting academic exchange and capacity building through the supervision of students and early-career researchers.
• Organising and facilitating knowledge transfer between partner institutions in Germany and Malawi.
• Representing the EKC-GCH at national and international specialist events, and supporting scientific communication and the dissemination of project results.
• Working closely with the head of the Friede Springer Endowed Professorship in Global Child Health and supporting the strategic development of the EKC-GCH.

Required qualifications:

• A completed university degree (Master´s degree or equivalent) in medicine, public health, health sciences or a comparable discipline; a doctoral degree (e.g., Dr.med. or PhD) is desirable, and plans for a habilitation are encouraged.
• For medical applicants, a specialisation in Paediatrics is desirable.
• Several years’ experience in the design, coordination and implementation of international research or development projects in the health sector, as well as experience working abroad, either in a clinical setting or in project management.
• In-depth knowledge of global child health, public health and/or international health systems.
• Experience in project and research management, as well as in collaborating with international partner institutions.
• Proven experience in securing and managing externally funded projects.
• Strong organisational and strategic skills, as well as a high degree of personal responsibility.
• Experience in interdisciplinary and intercultural collaboration.
• Excellent communication and networking skills, as well as the ability to present oneself confidently to scientific, political and funding bodies.
• Experience in mentoring and supporting early-career researchers is an advantage.
• Business fluency in spoken and written English; knowledge of German or a willingness to learn it is desirable. Knowledge of French is welcome.

Personal skills:

• Strategic thinking and a proactive approach
• Strong leadership and coordination skills
• Diplomatic skills and confidence in negotiations
• A high degree of initiative, combined with a structured and solution-oriented approach to work
• Enjoyment of working in international and interdisciplinary teams
• Willingness to undertake regular business trips, particularly to Malawi

• 30 days of annual leave and additional days off
• Work-life balance
• Direct access to medical care
• Several subsidies
• Continuing education program
• Eco-friendly mobility

Please apply by August 11, 2026, exclusively online, including the standard application documents. We look forward to receiving your application!

If you have any questions, please contact:

Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. Ralf Weigel | Arbeitsgruppenleiter | +49 2302 926-770 | globalchildhealth@uni-wh.de

We explicitly live and promote the idea of diversity (www.uni-wh.de/diversity). We value the skills and special characteristics that our members contribute and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity. We actively strive to increase the proportion of women among our academic staff