PhD student (m/f/d) Bioinformatics

The LIT - Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy (foundation under civil law) (www.lit.eu ) is a biomedical research center focusing on translational immunology in the fields of cancer immunotherapy, transplant rejection and autoimmunity. The objective of the LIT is to develop innovative and efficient cellular immune therapeutics in these areas. Our own GMP laboratories and close networking with University and University Hospital offer excellent opportunities for clinical translation of novel immune cell products.

The Algorithmic Bioinformatics research group at LIT is looking for a talented

BK-2024-1, (E13, 100%)

to develop cutting-edge computational methods for the analysis of whole-genome sequencing data.

About the research group:

The Algorithmic Bioinformatics research group is a purely computational lab developing and investigating new algorithms for solving bioinformatics problems on genome sequencing data. The problems we address include read alignment, variant detection & genotyping, genome assembly, whole-genome alignment and more in the context of human and population genetics, immunology, cancer and other biomedical research areas. Among the software tools we previously developed are PopIns and PopDel for detecting genomic structural variation in population-scale data sets. Using these and other tools, we have identified genotype-disease associations and contributed to basic research insights into human genome evolutionary processes.

About the project:

The responsibility of the PhD student will be to design new algorithms for the analysis of whole-genome sequencing data from T-cells. A possible focus of the project is the development of computational methods for the analysis of repeat elements, or many genomes simultaneously. The PhD student will implement their algorithms in software tools and use them for the analysis of published data sets as well as new data sets generated in collaboration with experimental labs at the LIT. The successful candidate is expected to closely collaborate with other lab members.

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in bioinformatics, computer science, or a related field
• Creative mind that is eager to shape the project and who wants to make an important biomedical impact through computational research
• Good programming skills, preferably in C++ and Python
• Good understanding of sequence analysis algorithms and data structures would be an advantage
• Hands-on experience in high-throughput sequencing data analysis is a plus
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English

We offer:

• An international cutting-edge research environment that offers exciting and diverse opportunities
• Perspectives for further scientific qualification
• Possibility to visit international conferences and collaborating centers
• Flexible working hours
• Flat hierarchies and short decision-making processes
• A highly motivated and cooperative team
• Job ticket

The remuneration is based on TV-L.

The Leibniz Institute for Immunotherapy targets to increase the share of women in the workforce. Therefore, qualified female candidates are explicitly encouraged to submit their applications. Moreover, the LIT advocates for the compatibility of family and career.

Disabled applicants (m/f/d) with equal qualifications will receive preferential treatment within the recruitment procedure. Please refer to your disability status already in your application.

Please note that expenses that may arise in the context of an eventual job interview cannot be reimbursed.

For more information, please contact Birte Kehr (birte.kehr(at)ukr.de ). We are looking forward to receiving your application including a cover letter, CV, and certificates. Please apply via our homepage https://rci.hr4you.org/job/view/55  quoting the reference BK-2024-1. The application deadline is April 7th, 2024.