Computational Postdoctoral Candidate (m/f/div) in the Field of Data Science

The Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology in Dortmund is part of the Max Planck Society and has a focus on biomedical basic research. Here are working around 500 employees from more than 30 nations.

The Becker group at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology is looking for a

Computational Postdoctoral Candidate (m/f/div) in the Field of Data Science

to join our multi-disciplinary team to work on algorithms for mass spectrometry data analysis.

The Becker group is working in close collaboration with Johannes Köster (https://koesterlab.github.io) at the Institute for AI in Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen.

The Becker group (https://www.mpi-dortmund.mpg.de/research-groups/becker) is a young and dyna­mic team that investigates the role of genetic modi­fications in DNA and RNA. Genetic modifi­cations mo­du­late gene expression by fine-tuning transcription, RNA processing, and protein synthesis, thereby establishing multiple regulatory layers. So far, however, the exact bio­logical role of most DNA / RNA modifi­cations is largely elusive. Therefore, we are investi­gating the distribution, dynamics, and inter­depen­dencies between different epigenetic or epi­trans­ciptional modifications to uncover their func­tio­nal implications. For this we use cutting-edge methodologies likes next generation sequencing as well as mass spectrometry to analyse nucleic acids and their modifications.
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who has recently obtained (or be about to receive) a PhD in computer / data science with a keen interest in leveraging their compu­tational expertise to address fundamental questions in biology and human health.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• strong background in scientific programming and computational techniques
• sharp mind: adept at problem-solving and possessing excep­tional organi­zational skills
• independence: ability to perform data analysis autonomously
• conceptual skills: proficiency in understanding data models and using them to represent biological concepts
• innovative thinking: capable of devising novel solu­tions / algorithms or adapting existing ones to tackle challenges
• team player: strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively within a multi-disciplinary team are essential for success in this role

The primary objective of this role is to pioneer and maintain inno­vative computational strategies and algo­rithms, facilitating research in the lab’s core areas. This entails analysing newly generated datasets and investi­gating the potential of novel algo­rithmic, statis­tical, and machine learning solu­tions to foster the creation of new computa­tional tools. The position provides oppor­tunities for colla­boration with both internal and exter­nal scientists to analyze and inter­pret novel findings using inno­vative methods, there­by contri­buting to ongoing projects and fostering the deve­lop­ment of individual projects.

The position is available immediately and is limited to two years with the possibility of prolongation. Financial compensation will be carried out accor­ding to the public service remunera­tion scheme TVöD Bund.

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of indivi­duals with disabi­lities in its workforce and there­fore encourages appli­cations from such quali­fied indivi­duals.

The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity within its workforce. Further­more, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are under­represented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

Applications should be sent (as PDF) to recruitment.becker@mpi-dortmund.mpg.de. Applications should include a motivation letter, a recent CV, copies of your certificates, and two names for reference. The deadline for application is the April 30th, 2024.

For questions regarding the position please contact Birgit Apprecht (Birgit.Apprecht@mpi-dortmund.mpg.de).