Postdoctoral Research Position in bioinformatics and systems biology: Systems biology modelling and deep learning for interpreting regulatory principles of plant growth and defence

23 Feb 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

National Institute of Biology

Department

Biotechnology and systems biology

Research Field

Biological sciences
Agricultural sciences

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)
Established Researcher (R3)

Country

Slovenia

Application Deadline

22 Mar 2024 - 12:00 (Europe/Ljubljana)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

40

Offer Starting Date

5 Jan 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

We are searching for a postdoctoral researcher that will be included in a dynamic and globally recognized group of molecular and systems biologists in the field of plant biotechnology and systems biology. 

About the Institute 

National Institute of Biology (NIB) is the largest Public Research Institution for Life Sciences in Slovenia, focused on basic and applicative research in biotechnology, biomedicine, marine biology, ecology and agriculture.
 

About the Department

The Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology (FITO), located at the new venue Biotechnological Hub of NIB (https://www.nib.si/eng/ ), is committed to generating the highest quality scientific knowledge about complex biological processes with an emphasis on the effects of stressors on plant and animal biological systems. This is achieved using state-of-the-art equipment, inclusion in European infrastructural centres and involvement in many European and other international projects. The department is renowned for its research in systems biology of plants and animals, viruses and bacteria, genetically modified organisms and therapeutic viruses. Two high-tech spinout companies were founded in the last ten years as a result of transferring cutting edge research from the department into biotech applications.
 

About the Group and Planned research work

In the Omics Research Unit headed by prof. dr. Kristina Gruden we are studying key cellular processes affecting plant growth and defence, including gene expression, metabolism and immune response via signalling networks. Our goals are to improve plant breeding and achieve higher yields via improved environmental stress tolerance.

The research work will connect knowledge from various scientific fields, especially biotechnology, molecular biology, bioinformatics and systems biology. It will initially be part of the ARRS basic research project J2-3060, led by dr. Jan Zrimec, and aimed at understanding trade-offs between growth and defence states in plants. The work will involve developing and testing methods to predict plant phenotypes from their genotypes, with the aim of setting up a 'virtual plant'. This will include modelling gene expression by deep learning and predicting phenotypes by modelling metabolism and signalling. 
 

What is expected?

The candidate is expected to possess a desire to explore the unknown, creativity, self-initiative, sound critical judgement and the ability to work in a team. Good knowledge of English is essential for working in international collaborations. We expect an education in either computer or systems science, with experience in molecular biology, biochemistry or biotechnology fields, or, conversely, a biologically-oriented education with strong experience in bioinformatics and systems biology. Experience with analysis of large data sets with bioinformatic or statistical methods as well as implementation and application of machine and/or deep learning methods is highly desirable.
 

What do we offer?

The candidate will carry out research work in laboratories with modern research equipment, an established quality system and an international team of collaborators. He/she will cooperate with the best research institutions in Slovenia and abroad, as well as on Slovenian and international projects. He/she will be trained in state of the art bioinformatics approaches with an emphasis on machine and deep learning, modelling and data analysis, with research that is planned to lead to influential scientific publications, expert growth, and improved employability and career opportunities.
 

Location:

National Institute of Biology is located in Ljubljana in a new research campus. Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is a very lively town with all desired amenities and offers a comfortable and peaceful lifestyle.

(More info: https://www.visitljubljana.com/en/visitors  and https://www.slovenia.info/en )
 

Start date and duration:

The work can begin as soon as possible and will be funded for 1 year with the possibility of extension via further projects.
 

Application:

• or additional information, please contact dr. Jan Zrimec ([email protected] ). 
• Please send the motivational letter, CV and recommendations to: [email protected]  until 15th of March 2024.

Requirements

Research Field

Biological sciences

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Research Field

Computer science

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Research Field

Agricultural sciences

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

The candidate is expected to possess a desire to explore the unknown, creativity, self-initiative, sound critical judgement and the ability to work in a team. Good knowledge of English is essential for working in international collaborations. We expect an education in either computer or systems science, with experience in molecular biology, biochemistry or biotechnology fields, or, conversely, a biologically-oriented education with strong experience in bioinformatics and systems biology. Experience with analysis of large data sets with bioinformatic or statistical methods as well as implementation and application of machine and/or deep learning methods is highly desirable.

Specific Requirements

- Education in either computer or systems science, with experience in molecular biology, biochemistry or biotechnology fields, or, conversely, a biologically-oriented education with strong experience in bioinformatics and systems biology

- Proficiency in a programming language, e.g. python/R

- Documented experience with analysis of large omics data sets with bioinformatic or statistical methods as well as implementation and application of machine and/or deep learning methods is highly desirable

- Documented experience with any kind of systems biology modeling is highly desirable

- teamwork, highly motivated, self organized, dedicated

- good grasp of English

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Research Field

Biological sciencesAgricultural sciencesComputer science

Years of Research Experience

4 - 10

Additional Information
Benefits

The candidate will carry out research work in laboratories with modern research equipment, an established quality system and an international team of collaborators. He/she will cooperate with the best research institutions in Slovenia and abroad, as well as on Slovenian and international projects. He/she will be trained in state of the art bioinformatics approaches with an emphasis on machine and deep learning, modelling and data analysis, with research that is planned to lead to influential scientific publications, expert growth, and improved employability and career opportunities.
 

Eligibility criteria

Please send motivational letter, CV and recommendations.

Website for additional job details

https://www.nib.si/eng/index.php/novice/695-new-yob-postdoctoral-research-posit…

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

National institute of biology

Country

Slovenia

State/Province

Osrednjeslovenska

City

Ljubljana

Postal Code

1000

Street

Vecna pot 111

Geofield

Where to apply

E-mail

[email protected]

Contact

State/Province

Select One

City

Ljubljana

Website

http://www.nib.si

Street

Večna pot 121

Postal Code

1000

E-Mail

[email protected]

Phone

041925729

STATUS: EXPIRED