Postdoc – Molecular and bioinformatic-based identification of optimized enzymes for biotechnological applications

Your Job:

• Analyzing RNAseq data with respect to the identification and functional annotation of genes involved in, for example, cell wall degradation, carbon flux etc.
  
• Screening metagenomic and genomic data using deep learning methods in order to identify degrading enzymes from different data resources
  
• Using Hidden Markov Models and similar tools as well as machine learning for the identification of novel and better enzyme variants from a large proteome compendium
  
• Generating structural models of enzymes and using machine learning methods to predict their enzymatic function and characterize their molecular recognition properties
  
• Using machine learning methods and simulation techniques to understand environmental effects on the enzymes and improving their stability and activity
  
• Publishing the scientific results in international journals and traveling to national and international conferences
  
• (Co)-supervising PhD students

Your Profile:

• University degree (Master) and doctorate in bioinformatics, computer science, data science, biophysics, or life science-related fields with a proven track record in bioinformatics, biophysics, data analysis, and simulation sciences
  
• Very good practical experience in molecular biology, Next Generation Sequencing, and structural biology
  
• Extensive experience in analyzing large datasets (especially genomics, transcriptomics, metagenomics, enzyme data, and structural data)
  
• Experience with the application of machine learning methods for data analysis and interpretation
  
• Knowledge in programming languages (e.g. Java, Rust, C/C++, Python) and statistical analysis using R/BioConductor/python
  
• Proven scientific communication skills in the form of scientific publications or equivalent
  
• Willingness to complement and collaborate with existing research units at the research center
  
• Excellent English language skills, both written and spoken are a requirement due to the international nature of the institute and collaborations

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:

• A large research campus with green spaces, offering the best possible means for networking with colleagues and pursuing sports alongside work
  
• Outstanding scientific and technical infrastructure
  
• Creative and international team that conducts research at the frontiers of science
  
• The Forschungszentrum Jülich is one of the largest research centres in Europe with excellent scientific equipment, including the fastest supercomputer in Europe, is located on a green campus, and near the cultural centres of Cologne, Düsseldorf and Bonn
  
• A highly motivated group and an international and interdisciplinary working environment in one of the largest research institutions in Europe
  
• The possibility to develop your own research program in line with the institute and center strategy
  
• Flexible working hours in a full-time position with the option of slightly reduced working hours
  
• 30 days of annual leave and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g. between Christmas and New Year)
  
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
  

We offer you an exciting and varied role in an international and interdisciplinary working environment. The position is for a fixed term of 2,5 years, with possible long-term prospects. Salary and social benefits will conform to the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund), pay group EG 13, depending on the applicant’s qualifications and the precise nature of the tasks assigned to them.

In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.