Computational Health Center

The newly established Health AI Fellows (HAIF) Program is dedicated to fostering independent, high-impact research in computational biomedicine and health-related AI. Our mission is to empower early-career postdoctoral scientists from computational, mathematical, engineering, and physical science disciplines by granting them early scientific independence to boldly address key challenges in computational biomedicine.

Recent advances in computation have transformed our understanding of molecular processes and their effects on health and disease. Breakthroughs in modeling, AI, and large-scale data analysis have reshaped biomedicine, enabling researchers to extract meaningful insights from increasingly complex biological datasets. As high-throughput technologies generate vast volumes of data, new challenges emerge in scale, management, analysis, and interpretation. Yet, these same developments open unprecedented opportunities to uncover complex biological mechanisms, predict system behavior, and understand pathophysiological processes. Despite remarkable progress, we are only beginning to tap into what computation and AI can achieve for human health.

By leveraging experimental, computational, and statistical approaches, the HAIF Program empowers fellows to explore new scientific frontiers that integrate data-driven and experimental methodologies. Working closely with experimental partners in Munich and beyond, fellows bring fresh perspectives to significant biological and biomedical challenges—stimulating innovation and driving the development of transformative solutions.

A Strategic Approach to Technological Readiness

Unlike traditional postdoctoral positions, HAIF fellows join the Computational Health Center (CHC) at Helmholtz Munich as independent early-career researchers with greater autonomy. Each fellow is mentored by two CHC Principal Investigators, or optionally by one PI and one external expert from industry or a start-up. With this support structure, fellows have the freedom to develop and apply comprehensive computational strategies to tackle pressing challenges in health research. The program emphasizes not only scientific discovery but also strategic progress toward higher technological readiness levels.

Fellowship Package and Support

The HAIF Program provides fellows with the resources needed to establish their independent research trajectory. Each package includes:

• A full-time postdoctoral position
• Dedicated budget for travel and open access publications
• Access to powerful computational infrastructure
• Funding for a student assistant
• Initial employment for two years, with the possibility of extension
• Support in identifying third-party funding opportunities and preparing grant proposals through the CHC Grant Management team

Fellows also receive full access to Helmholtz Munich’s platforms and core facilities and benefit from mentoring by CHC faculty and external partners. They are encouraged to engage with the vibrant research ecosystem across Helmholtz Munich, local universities, and regional collaborators, fostering a highly interdisciplinary and innovative environment.
The call for applications will open in mid-December!

Apply here