Postdoc (f/m/x) - AI/ML Drug Discovery for Brain Diseases

Organisation/Company: Helmholtz Zentrum München – Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt

Research Field: Medical sciences

Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2), Established Researcher (R3)

Country: Germany

Application Deadline: 11 Apr 2025 – 21:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract: To be defined

Job Status: Other

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Area of research: Scientific / postdoctoral posts

Job description: Postdoc (f/m/x) – AI/ML Drug Discovery for Brain Diseases

Job ID: 102708

Employment: Full time, 39 hrs./week

Home Office Options: Available

At Helmholtz Munich, we develop groundbreaking solutions for a healthier society in a rapidly changing world. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. Through strong partnerships, we accelerate the transfer of new ideas from the lab to real-life applications, improving lives.

The Institute of Computational Biology (ICB) , as part of the Computational Health Center at Helmholtz Munich, is globally recognised for innovations in data analysis and modelling of biological systems and diseases. At our institute, you will find a scientifically stimulating international environment. Together with renowned scientists and supported by an excellent infrastructure, you will have the opportunity to make an important contribution for a healthier society. The ICB has a long-standing reputation for pioneering machine learning and AI methods in molecular biology, particularly in single-cell genomics.

We are looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/x) in Machine Learning (ML) or Computational Biology to join a collaborative research project with the Fugger lab at the Oxford Centre of Neuroinflammation, focusing on the development of drugs that tame common brain diseases through the application of graph-based neural networks, deep learning, and optimal transport methodologies.

Responsibilities:

• Analyse disease mechanisms, facilitated by cutting-edge data from techniques like spatial transcriptomics and protein mass spectrometry.
• Contribute to the development of graph-based deep learning and foundational modeling methodologies.
• Identify and participate in designing the validation of disease targets by understanding tissue state changes and perturbation responses in peripheral blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and brain tissue from central nervous system disease patients, alongside extensive single-cell platform data.
• Present your research at international meetings.

Your Profile:

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated proficiency in programming languages and workflows used in data science (e.g. Github, Python) and willingness to learn and use deep learning frameworks (e.g. PyTorch).
• Strong interest to contribute to the development of perturbation models, gain an understanding of the complexities of neurological disorders, and contribute to effective management and treatment strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
• A track record of publications in high-impact journals.
• Proficiency in molecular biology and knowledge of modern experimental techniques.
• Familiarity with analysing longitudinal biological samples and/or single-cell data analysis.
• Familiarity with the target identification steps of drug development or previous experience working with perturbation data.

If you fulfil all the requirements, you may be eligible for a salary grade of up to E 13. Social benefits are based on the Collective Wage Agreement for Public-Sector Employees (TVöD). The position has an (initial) fixed term of 2 years but may be extended under certain circumstances.

Managing Directors Matthias Tschöp and Mike Frieser: „We believe that diversity is the key to groundbreaking research and innovative solutions. Our flexible working models and remote options create a supportive environment for balancing work and family life. For us, contributing to a healthier society in such an inspiring workplace is truly meaningful.“

Get to know us:

• Career Development: Postdoc program, scientific training & career center with tailored offers.
• Scientific Resources: State-of-the-art infrastructure and Core Facilities.
• Recreation: 30 days annual leave, flexi days, plus public holidays.
• International Staff Service: Support with the relocation and integration process in Germany.

Our recruiting is decentralized – your application will be reviewed directly by the specialist department in which you could work in the future.

Application Process:

Please send your application only via our online application tool and with the following documents:

• CV
• Degrees/Diplomas/Certificates
• Contact details for at least two referees.

If you have obtained a university degree abroad, we will require further documents from you regarding the comparability of your degree. Please request the Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications as early as possible.

We are committed to promoting a culture of diversity and welcome applications from talented people regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical abilities, religion or age. Qualified applicants with physical disabilities will be given preference.

Learn more about diversity at Helmholtz Munich.

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany\’s largest scientific organisation.

#J-18808-Ljbffr