Bioinformatician as Team Lead (m/f/d)

WHO WE ARE

DISCO Pharmaceuticals is a young ETH spin-off company based in Cologne/Germany and Schlieren/Switzerland. We leverage a novel mass spectrometric technology to map the surfaceome of cells and to investigate processes that are fundamental to cancer biology. We combine methods in cell biology, biochemistry, mass spectrometry with computational tools to identify relevant protein communities on the surface of cancer cells. Our goal is to develop innovative cancer medicines using our unique insights into the protein surfaceome of cancer cells. Our initial therapeutic focus is small cell lung cancer (SCLC), a devasting form of cancer.

Head of Computational Biology (m/f/d)

To strengthen our activities, DISCO Pharmaceuticals is looking for an ambitious and talented full-time Head of Computational Biology to join our international team in Cologne (Germany) or Schlieren (Switzerland). The successful candidate will lead all computational biology-related activities, ranging from identification of novel proteins and protein communities on the surface of cancer cells to the integration of orthogonal datasets (e.g., from genome/ exome and transcriptome sequencing) and visualization of research findings. The development and application of novel computational tools and algorithms is a central component of our computational biology team. The successful applicant will collaborate with a motivated and dynamic team of international scientists to contribute to the development of novel therapeutics for diseases with high unmet medical needs, maintain DISCO’s computational framework for data processing and storage and lead a team of highly skilled Computational Biologists. The Head of Computational Biology will work closely with the CSO and COO, manage a team across two sites, and is required, as integral part of the team, to be on-site at least two days per week.

RESPONSIBILITIES

As the Head of Computational Biology, you will take a leading role in advancing DISCO Pharmaceuticals’ research and development through data-driven innovation:

• Technological Leadership: Lead the use of advanced computational tools to identify relevant proteins and protein communities on cancer cell surfaces, supporting the development of novel therapeutics.
• Innovation & Tool Development: Drive the innovation and enhancement of computational tools for data processing, storage, and analysis to identify promising target candidates.
• Data Analysis & Visualization: Oversee integrative data analysis, interpretation, and visualization from a computational perspective.
• Operational Management: Ensure efficient operation and timely delivery of data and results within DISCO’s computational pipeline and database.
• Process Optimization: Identify new opportunities and innovative approaches to improve throughput and scientific excellence in data processing and analysis.
• Team Leadership: Lead and manage a (small) team of highly skilled Computational Biologists across our sites in Cologne (Germany) and Schlieren (Switzerland).
• Hands-On Support: Provide hands-on support for all questions and activities related to Computational Biology.
• Data Security & Compliance: Ensure data security and compliance with relevant regulations and best practices.
• Prototype Development: Develop concepts and prototypes and transform them into production-ready applications.

Qualifications and Experience

• Background: Degree in computer science, physics, bioinformatics, or a related field, ideally with experience in the biotech industry.
• Leadership Experience: Proven experience in leading teams of highly skilled experts or scientists.
• Communication Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to prioritize tasks according to company needs and deliver results with excellence, even under time pressure.
• Motivation & Adaptability: Highly motivated, comfortable working in a results-oriented, fast-paced, and dynamic environment; quick learner, curious, and diligent.
• Collaboration & Problem-Solving: Strong collaboration and problem-solving skills, with adaptability to new technologies and methodologies.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical capabilities and attention to detail.
• Technical Expertise:
  • Extensive experience working with biomedical data, preferably in proteomics.
  • Proficient in programming/scripting (e.g., C/C++, Python, R, bash, html, MySQL, Metabase).
  • Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure).
  • In-depth understanding of database systems.
  • Extensive familiarity with Linux systems.
  • Experience with agile development methodologies.
• Desirable Additional Skills: Experience in cutting-edge machine learning/AI, high-performance computing, parallelization, and visual design principles is a plus.