PostDoc in Computational Biology (focusing on metainflammation)

The environment to which humans are exposed to in the developed, Western world has drastically changed, particularly in the last few decades. These changes, along with societal and economic developments, have led to dramatic increases in the lifespan of people living in developed nations. While infectious triggers of the immune system have clearly diminished in the last centuries, non-infectious triggers of the immune and metabolic systems, in the form of man-made bioactive substances, pollution, smoking and other stressors, have increased. It is becoming increasingly evident that our immune and metabolic systems respond to the Western lifestyle with chronic, low-grade inflammation, also called metaflammation, as well as increased reactivity of immune cells in many organs. Metaflammation is now thought to be causally linked to the development of many non-communicable diseases (NCD) of the aging modern societies.

In the SFB Metainflammation we will assist biologists and physicians to unravel the molecular basis of metainflammation and to develop strategies to reverse it. As the central computational biology unit, we will interact with over 20 subprojects and work on data analysis, integration and modeling.

Job description:

• Data management, statistical analysis and machine learning for large datasets (e.g. single-cell omics, high-throughput and patient data)

• Development of statistical inference and machine learning methods

• Interpretation of analysis results

• Statistical and bioinformatic consulting

• Collaboration with biologists and medical researchers

• Publication of scientific results at conferences and in journals

• Co-supervision of students

Your profile:

• PhD degree in (bio-)informatics, computational biology, computer science, mathematics or equivalent

• Strong experience in at least three of the following topics: Bioinformatics, statistics, machine learning, and data management/integration

• Programming skills (e.g., R or Python)

• Proficiency in written and spoken English

• Passion for science and scientific work

Our offer:

• Working in an innovative, well-equipped and scientifically stimulating environment

• Further training opportunities

• Initial fixed-term employment contract for 3 years with a standard public service salary (PostDoc: 100% TV EntgO Bund EG 13)

The deadline for the application round is March 15, 2022.

Application documents (cover letter, CV, certificates, two reference letters) should be submitted as soon as possible as a single PDF file via email.

Contact: Prof. Dr. Jan Hasenauer, [email protected]