Postdoctoral Expert (f,m,div) in Bioinformatics

With its work, the Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) contributes to a better understanding of plant systems and thus to the development of sustainable and resilient horticulture. The IGZ conducts research at the interface between plants, humans and the environment. In doing so, we address systemic and global challenges such as biodiversity loss, climate change, urbanization and malnutrition. We provide scientifically sound recommendations for healthy agri-food systems and sustainable interactions with the environment. The IGZ brings together a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines. Employees with different backgrounds conduct research in national and international research co-operations. The IGZ is based in Großbeeren near Potsdam and near Berlin and is a member of the Leibniz Association.

At IGZ several research groups are involved with the study of adaptive plant responses to changes in their abiotic and biotic environment using various omics approaches, including transcriptimics, metagenomics, proteomics and metabolomics. To strengthen our capacity in applying these technologies, we are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated

in Bioinformatics

Reference number: 11/2024/D

The employment will be initially from the earliest possible date and will be initially for two years with prospect of a permanent position upon a satisfactory evaluation of your performance after 1.5 years using IGZ criteria for research infrastructure postdoctoral careers. The salary will be based on qualification and research experience according to the wage agreement TV-L, up to pay scale 13, full time. The position is suitable for part-time work with at least 32 hours/week.

This position will be embedded in the newly started science support platform (SSP) which is placed directly under the scientific director. Currently, the IGZ SSP comprises three postdoctoral scientists with expertise in proteomics, metabolomics and volatile analysis. They main task of the SSP will be to support IGZ groups by providing training, expert advice and technical expertise. In addition, it will be possible to develop your own research line for up to 50% of your time.

Tasks include

• supporting and advising projects of IGZ researchers with your bioinformatics expertise, ranging from experimental planning via data analyses to support with the interpretation of the results 
• developing workflows, pipelines and code for data processing and analysis
• providing training in bioinformatic analyses to IGZ scientists and graduate schools associated with IGZ
• presentations to national and international audiences
• (co)-writing scientific publications in internationally peer-reviewed journals
• support the acquisition of project funding at IGZ
• advise users on data and code sharing in open access repositories following FAIR principles
• networking with Leibniz, national and international research institutes and organizations
• together with the other SSP members: developing structured processes and strategies for the SSP

We are looking for candidates with

• a PhD in bioinformatics or a PhD in biological sciences during which you gained extensive expertise in bioinformatics
• expertise in the processing and analysis of high-throughput data as documented by your publication record, in particular in one or more of these fields: computational genomics, transcriptomics, metagenomics, meta-transcriptomics, proteomics or metabolomics
• writing code for omics-data processing as documented on GitHub
• experience in teaching or training in bioinformatics
• a responsible personality and excellent communication skills
• excellent knowledge of the English language, in speaking and writing, as evidenced by your publication record
• proficiency in the German language is of advantage
• readiness to integrate into an international working environment

We offer

• an inspiring and dynamic research environment, including state-of-the art research facilities
• support in developing a career in research infrastructures as defined by Leibniz and IGZ guidelines
• clear and transparent criteria for performance evaluation
• a vibrant and international community of scientists close to Berlin and Potsdam
• flexible and family-friendly working time models and the possibility of mobile working (up to 50% of working time)
• subsidy for the company ticket for local public transport or the Germany ticket

More information on the IGZ under www.igzev.de . For questions, please contact: Prof. Nicole van Dam (vandam(at)igzev.de ); phone: +49-33701 - 78 105).

We encourage a healthy work-life balance. The IGZ attaches great importance to equal opportunities. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualifications. The IGZ embraces diversity in its workforce, and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, world view, disability and belief or ethnic origin.

We prefer to receive applications, including a motivation letter, your CV, copies of relevant certificates, and the names and addresses of two references by email to bewerbung(at)igzev.de in pdf format by 25th of April 2024 . Our postal address is: Personalbüro, Leibniz-Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops, Theodor-Echtermeyer-Weg 1, D-14979 Großbeeren.