The Junior Research Groups are led by young scientists given the opportunity to work independently on their chosen subject for a period of 5 years, with little, if any, teaching commitments. Their laboratories are located on the same floor to generate a dynamic and synergistic atmosphere. Following the initial 5-year period, outstanding investigators have the possibility to continue their research with a temporary 5-year research professorship that remains largely free of teaching duties, or to transition into a more long-term position at the University of Würzburg. 

The Core Center includes research groups that require a more permanent infrastructure, particularly more expensive technologies. The Rudolf Virchow Center has created a unique opportunity for such research groups that could not previously become established in Würzburg. Such technically oriented groups in the Core Center concentrate on characterizing target proteins at the structural level and within macromolecular complexes. Research professorships were established following the model of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute that provides outstanding investigators with the financial means to pursue their research in complete freedom. This model aims to attract excellent group leaders with a proven track record, who with financial support for a five-year period can concentrate on their research topic of choice within the context of target proteins.

Top research means using the potential of all generations. The Rudolf Virchow Center offers senior emeritus professors the opportunity to continue their research programs. The Center benefits not only from the knowledge and experience of these established scientists, but also from the exchange between generations. The research programs of these scientists are generally within the field of the Rudolf Virchow Center, but are largely funded by external grants.