Polish Bioinformatics Society

The Faculty VI Medicine and Health Sciences includes the areas of human medicine, medical physics and acoustics, neuroscience, psychology and health services research. Together with the four regional hospitals the Faculty VI forms the Oldenburg University Medical Center. We also have a close cooperation with the University Medical Center at the University of Groeningen.

In the division for Medical Genetics of the Department of human medicine there is a vacancy for a

Computational biologist / Bioinformatician (m/f/d) / (PhD)
(salary according to E13 TV-L, 75 %)

to be filled as soon as possible for a limited period of 3 years (potential extension). There is the possibility of personal scientific qualification (doctorate thesis).

The position will be hosted at the Institute of Medical Genetics, University of Oldenburg. Our group uses multi-omic approaches (genomic, transcriptomic and epigenetic) to elucidate the molecular basis of several human pathologies, including cancer, congenital heart diseases (CHD) and rare diseases.

We implement different short read-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) and long read-based nanopore sequencing to identify pathogenic genetic variants. In addition, we apply single-cell RNA sequencing and emerging methods of spatial biology to study normal cell development as well as disease progression. Our group collaborates with European Consortia and international teams from the UK, US, Canada, Belgium, the Netherlands and Denmark.

The PhD candidate will work in a research project directed to the identification of pathogenic gene variants associated to hereditary cancer predisposition using long read-based nanopore sequencing. As part of the project the candidate will assess the added diagnostic value of nanopore sequencing in unresolved cases of cancer predisposition previously tested with gene panels and/or exome/genome sequencing using NGS. The position holder is expected to perform NGS and nanopore sequencing data analysis, develop computational pipelines for pathogenic variant filtering, and to identify genetic alterations associated to hereditary cancer.

Task include:

• Establish bioinformatic pipelines for evaluating NGS datasets from cancer patients (n=800).
• Perform variant prioritization and pathogenic variants identification from nanopore sequencing datasets using bioinformatic tools (for example Guppy, EPI2ME).
• Preparation of research manuscripts and collaboration on scientific projects.
• Collaboration in teaching

Required qualifications:

• Completed university studies in natural/computational sciences and/or relates (Master Degree or equivalent).
•  Biostatistical knowledge
•  Strong communication skills in English (spoken and written)
•  Team-oriented working style
•  Previous experience with analysis of NGS and overall genomics and multi-omics datasets will be considered as a valuable asset.

Preferred qualifications:

• Programming skills in Java, R or Python are desirable

We offer:

• An interdisciplinary and collaborative environment that supports innovation and professional development of team members.
• Participation in the development of a young university team with creative freedom.
• The possibility of independent scientific project work.
• Collaboration with national and international teams and consortia.
• Payment in accordance with collective bargaining law (special annual payment, public service pension scheme, asset-related benefits) incl. 30 days annual leave
• Support and guidance during your onboarding phase
• Remuneration at the TV-L E13 (75%) salary level,  with annual bnonus.
• A family-friendly environment with flexible working hours (flexitime) and the possibility of pro-rata mobile work
• Benefits from the university's health promotion program
• An extensive and free further education program as well as programs geared toward the promotion of early career researchers (https://uol.de/en/school6/early-career)

The University of Oldenburg aims to increase the proportion of women in the academic field. Therefore, women are strongly encouraged to apply. According to § 21 para. 3 NHG, female applicants should be given preferential consideration if their qualifications are equivalent.
Applicants with disabilities are given preference in the event of equal suitability.

For further information, please contact Amilcar Perez Riverol, Tel. 0441 403 70158, amilcar.perez.riverol@uol.de.

Please submit your application, preferably in electronic form (a PDF file including Cover Letter, CV and relevant certificates) by 16 February 2024, to Prof. Dr. med. Marc-Phillip Hitz (marc-phillip.hitz@uni-oldenburg.de) and Dr. med. Laura Gieldon (Gieldon.Laura@klinikum-oldenburg.de) , University of Oldenburg, Institute of Medical Genetics, Rahel-Straus-Straße 10, D-26133 Oldenburg.

You don't know Oldenburg yet? The following link will provide with you first impressions: https://www.moin-in-oldenburg.de.