PhD position: Virus bioinformatics

PhD position: Virus bioinformatics

The Computational Biology Group at the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering of ETH Zurich in Basel works at the interface of mathematics, statistics, and computer science with biology and medicine. We develop statistical and evolutionary models and efficient algorithms for high-throughput molecular profiling data, with applications in oncology and infectious diseases. Applications are encouraged for a position as a PhD student.

Project background

The open position is in the field of computational virology and analyzing viral sequencing data to improve HIV diagnostics. The goal is to develop computational methods for viral next-generation sequencing data that enable DNA-based HIV drug resistance testing, to test the method on a large clinical dataset, and to devise a novel genotypic HIV-1 DNA drug resistance test.

Job description

The position involves:

• design and implementation of novel statistical and machine learning methods for next-generation sequencing data
• validation, testing, and application of the models to large clinical datasets comprising NGS data from integrated HIV proviruses
• integration of the models into computational viral NGS data analysis workflows 
• development of a novel genotypic HIV-1 DNA drug resistance test

Your profile

You have a strong quantitative background in computational biology, statistics, machine learning, computer science, physics, mathematics, or a related field. Exposure to modelling biological systems and experience in developing software for their analysis are also advantageous. You are expected to engage in an interdisciplinary research team and foster collaboration across computational sciences, virology, and clinical diagnostics.

We offer

Our research group is in the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering of ETH Zurich, a major research university offering an excellent environment for innovative and collaborative research. The department is located in Basel, a European hot spot for biomedical research, nearby of several academic research institutes and the pharmaceutical and biotech industry. We are also part of the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, a major provider of bioinformatics services and resources. The project is in close collaboration with Prof. Dr Karin Metzner (Dept. of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Zurich) and Dr Michael Huber (Inst. of Medical Virology, University of Zurich).

We value diversity

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our

Equal Opportunities and Diversity website

to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application including:

• a letter of motivation,
• CV,
• diplomas
• contact details of at least 2 referees

Please address your application to Mrs Cornelia Käppeli, Human Resources. Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

For further information please visit our website at www.cbg.ethz.ch . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Dr Niko Beerenwinkel (by email at [email protected] ).

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in
science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education,
cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge
into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our
university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an
environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe,
yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to
develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.