CureVac Tübingen site to close, two‑thirds of jobs slated for cut by end‑2026

The biotech firm CureVac will cease operations at its Tübingen research and development site, with the operational shutdown scheduled for 31 December 2026. The company's works council says roughly two‑thirds of the hundreds of employees will lose their jobs by that deadline, while a smaller group will remain through 2027 to finish ongoing studies and dismantle equipment.

Biontech, which fully acquired CureVac in January, has formed a task‑force together with Baden‑Württemberg’s science, economic and state ministries, the federal employment agency and the regional Biopro agency. The task‑force aims to preserve infrastructure and knowledge in the university city and to “give employees a perspective and retain at least some top talent,” a state‑government spokesperson said.

The works council criticised the pace and cooperation of the parent company, stating “the management is not really cooperative” and that employees are being pressured to sign termination agreements in September. Biontech says the cuts will be socially responsible and offers a support programme for affected staff. Regional alternatives are limited, with few comparable pharmaceutical or biotech employers nearby, raising concerns for specialised staff, young families and trainees.