Working at HITS

The Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS) is a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research institute that performs basic research in the fields of natural science, mathematics and computer science. Its mission is to achieve scientific excellence by creating an environment that allows research groups to pursue their research interests with the greatest possible scientific freedom and administrative support:

Research

The particular setup at HITS provides greatest research freedom. The research topics of the groups are chosen independently by the group leaders, who also decide on their approaches to reach their scientific goals. HITS group leaders are leading in their fields, and the special environment at HITS allows them to spend a considerable amount of their time on mentoring students and postdocs. Groups at HITS highly benefit from the diversity of research fields at the institute, which encourages interdisciplinary approaches and cooperations. An important aspect is the long-term perspective of the groups’ research and the sustained development of science. HITS values qualitative rather than quantitative research output.

Infrastructure and Campus

HITS main campus is located in Heidelberg-Schlierbach, in the middle of nature. The second site of the institute is in the “Mathematikon” in Heidelberg Neuenheimer Feld, next to the Heidelberg University campus.

The main campus is barrier-free and accessible via public transport using the “science bus” which stops right in front of the institute. There is also free parking available in the garage “Unter der Boschwiese” within walking distance of the institute. For those who like to exercise and bike or walk to the campus, HITS provides bicycle stands, a rental bike, and shower facilities.

Both campuses offer modern work spaces with all features necessary to enable productive work. There are several rooms equipped with projectors and video conferencing systems available for group work, presentations, and meetings. Larger meetings, such as workshops or conferences for up to 100 participants, can be hosted in the “Studio Villa Bosch” conference center next door to the HITS building.

Services and Benefits

There are several services available to all HITSters. Our own canteen offers a daily lunch for an attractive price, there is also free coffee, tea and water available. Our kitchens offer a dish cleaning service as well as microwaves and fridges. All HITSters can also benefit from the spacious garden surrounding the institute, which can be used for coffee breaks, group meetings, leisurely strolls, or sports activities such as table tennis. Additional to the outstanding infrastructure and services provided at HITS, there are other benefits such as special presentation trainings for researchers, English and German language courses, different research events such as scientific seminars, workshops and alike – and of course other social events.

Depending on the work contract, there are additional subsidizations and benefits available.

Finally, both the HITS administration team and the IT service team are determined to facilitate administrative and IT processes, thus enabling all HITSters to focus on their research.