Computational Postdoc

Position: Computational Postdoc

Department: Regulatory Genomics and Cancer Evolution

Code number: 2023-0334

The German Cancer Research Center is the largest biomedical research institution in Germany. With more than 3,000 employees, we operate an extensive scientific program in the field of cancer research.

The Division of Regulatory Genomics and Cancer Evolution is seeking a motivated computational biologist for a collaborative project on early cancer development.

Job description:

The project addresses the question why some organisms, including many humans, never develop cancer in their lifetime. To address this question, we use comparative genomics approaches involving two model organisms with vastly different cancer susceptibilities: mice (which readily develop tumors upon treatment with a chemical carcinogen) and naked mole-rats (which are naturally resistant to cancer). The goal is to untangle the molecular and cellular mechanisms driving natural cancer resistance and those involved in the earliest stages of cancer development.

You will be responsible for leading and performing analyses as well as building computational models at the intersection of comparative genomics, clonal evolution, and translational research.

The collaborative project interlinks two research groups at the German Cancer Research Center (Division of Regulatory Genomics and Cancer Evolution, Prof. Dr. Odom and Junior Research Group Somatic Evolution and Early Detection, Dr. Goncalves) and combines cutting-edge genomics technologies and computational methods with cell biology to understand early cancer development.

Working as part of a supportive and collaborative team, you will formulate and pursue translational scientific questions based on large genomics datasets. You will curate, manage and perform high quality data analysis and provide feedback to other computational and wet lab scientists.

Starting date is flexible but can be as early as possible.

Requirements:

Candidates must have a PhD in a field related to computational biology (e.g. genetics, bioinformatics, physics, engineering or applied statistics/mathematics) and a proven understanding and experience in the fields of genomics, data processing and high-throughput data analysis. A solid training in molecular and system-wide biology is required. Equally important is a high motivation to learn and adapt scientific challenges and to become a positive member of the labs. We use many different methodologies and concepts in different areas in biology. Therefore, an open mind set and a broad interest in biology across subfield boundaries is needed.

In addition to strong communication skills, you will be highly organized with a logical and diligent approach to information gathering.

Other required skills:

• Excellent programming and data analysis skills in high-level scripting languages (R and/or Python)
• Demonstrated expertise in the management and analysis of very large data sets
• Experience in writing manuscripts for publication
• Excellent organizational skills
• Fluent in English and good written and oral communication skills

We offer:

• Interesting, versatile workplace
• Excellent framework conditions: state-of-the-art equipment and opportunity for international networking at the highest level
• Remuneration according to TV-L incl. occupational pension plan for the public service and capital-forming payments
• 30 days of vacation per year
• Flexible working hours
• Possibility of mobile work and part-time work
• Family-friendly working environment, including parent-child room, counseling services, e.g. on Elder Care
• Sustainable travel to work: subsidized Germany job ticket
• Develop your full potential: access to the DKFZ International Postdoc Program and DKFZ Career Service with targeted offers for your personal development to further develop your talents
• Our Corporate Health Management Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being

Important notice:

The DKFZ is subject to the regulations of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG). As a consequence, only persons who present proof of immunity against measles may work at the DKFZ.

Earliest possible start date: as soon as possible

Duration: The position is initially limited to 2 years with the possibility of prolongation.

The position can in principle be part-time.

Application deadline: 29.09.2023

Contact:

Johanna Hoffmann
Phone +49 (0)6221/42-4522

Please note that we do not accept applications submitted via email.