HPI is recognized as one of the leading university institutes for computer science (www.hpi.de). Our goal is to strengthen Europe's digital sovereignty with excellent research and practice-oriented teaching in computer science. At HPI, we are convinced that excellence is created when knowledge from different disciplines is collaboratively combined to create responsible and pioneering solutions for the future.
In our research clusters "Systems," "Data and AI," "Foundations," "Digital Health," "Security," and "Business and Society" researchers from various disciplines work together on topics relevant to solving the challenges facing society. The Digital Engineering Faculty of the University of Potsdam and HPI offers a computer science engineering degree program that is unique in Germany.
In the course of its strong growth, the Hasso Plattner Institute is looking for the earliest possible start date for a
PhD Candidate / Postdoc (m/f/x)
Digital Health Systems Engineering & Simulation
(Digital Twin for Next-Generation Diabetes Technology)
The position is full-time and limited for the duration of 3 years (with the possibility of extension).
We are looking for a PhD Candidate or Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/x) to join our interdisciplinary team developing a digital twin for people with diabetes.
You will help build simulation tools and model components that contribute directly to improving automated insulin delivery (AID) and personalized diabetes care.
This is a 3-year position (with the possibility of extension) and offers a rare opportunity to work at the interface of computer science, health informatics, and real-world clinical impact, in close collaboration with Data4Life, clinical partners, and the open-source diabetes technology (#WeAreNotWaiting) community.
Your future tasks
Simulation & Modeling Development (core of the role)
- Develop, maintain and extend a biophysical model, which simulates components of relevant physiological and/or behavioral processes (e.g., glucose-insulin dynamics, activity, sleep, menstrual cycle effects, etc.)
- Validate models with real-world, sensor-based datasets (CGM, pump, wearables) and support scenario-based experiments
- Develop project-specific data interfaces or adapters to connect real-world data inputs to simulation modules
Sensor Data Processing & Context Modeling
- Perform data preprocessing and feature extraction from physiological and behavioral signals
- Prototype state-detection methods (e.g., sleep, activity, stress)
- Support development of personalized, context-aware AID simulation scenarios
Research, Clinical Impact & Open-Source Engagement
- Prepare datasets, visualizations, and reproducible code for analysis and publications
- Contribute to scientific manuscripts, conferences, and collaborative project meetings
- Engage with clinicians, patient representatives, and the open-source diabetes community
- Support open-science practices and long-term maintainability of shared codebases
Systems Collaboration (interaction; not full responsibility)
- Serve as the technical bridge between the NCD research team and Data4Life, working with their APIs, secure environments, and integration tooling
- Build lightweight internal tools and interfaces that sit on top of partner infrastructure
- Ensure reproducible, maintainable workflows for simulation and analysis
Your Profile
Required
- Master’s degree in Computer Science, Health/Biomedical Informatics, Data Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related technical field (PhD required for Postdoc level)
- Strong programming skills in Python and/or Julia
- Experience in at least one of the following areas:
- simulation/modeling (physiological, dynamic, or system models)
- sensor/wearable/biomedical data processing
- time-series analysis or signal processing
- Interest in digital health (prior domain experience is welcome but not required)
- Ability to work collaboratively with technical and clinical partners
- Proactive mindset and ability to take ownership of technical tasks while working within a supportive team environment
Preferred (not required)
- Experience with sensor or biomedical data, digital health applications, or physiological modeling
- Experience with diabetes technology, CGM or wearable data
- Familiarity with health data standards (FHIR, OMOP, SENSOR-HUB)
- Knowledge of probabilistic modeling, control theory, or system dynamics
- Open-source development experience
- Scientific writing experience
- Interest in supervising student projects (Bachelor/Master) and supporting teaching activities in the Digital Health program
What we offer
- A high-impact research environment where your work directly supports improved diabetes care, AID systems, and digital health innovation
- Close collaboration with clinical partners, Data4Life, and the international open-source diabetes (#WeAreNotWaiting) community
- A chance to shape the foundations of a digital twin for diabetes, contributing to a project with real patient benefit and high scientific visibility
- A modern work environment with flexible hours, strong mentoring, and a supportive, ambitious team culture
- Opportunities for professional development and technical specialization
- You will play a key role in reducing gender inequities in diabetes care by helping develop models that finally account for hormonal and menstrual cycle influences - areas long overlooked in mainstream diabetes technology
- Attractive employee offers (corporate benefits)
- Company-subsidized public transportation ticket/Deutschlandticket
- Possibility to work remotely (up to 2 days a week)
- Numerous sports facilities (tennis and basketball courts, beach volleyball court, calisthenics park, and participation in running events)
- Workplace on the HPI campus in Potsdam-Babelsberg (Griebnitzsee S-Bahn station), with fast transportation connections to Berlin
Contract & Salary
This is a full-time, three-year position with the possibility of extension, offering a competitive salary appropriate for PhD and postdoctoral roles at HPI. Compensation is aligned with qualifications and experience.
We look forward to receiving your application, including motivation letter (max. 2 pages), CV, relevant transcripts or degree certificates, a sample of your scientific work (e.g. thesis, excerpt or publication), reference letters (if available), as well as your salary requirements by April 24, 2026. Interviews will be conducted in May/June, 2026. The start date will be in Q3/4, 2026. Please apply exclusively via our career page.
Contact HR Recruiting
Nicola.Mertens@hpi.de
Contact Research Group
"Digital Health - Non Communicable Diseases"
+49 331 5509-528
Hasso-Plattner-Institut für Digital Engineering gGmbH
Prof.-Dr.-Helmert-Str. 2-3
14482 Potsdam