Senior Research Assistant / PostDoc (f/m/d)

The Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics (MPIMG) is an international research institute with about 360 employees dedicated to functional genomics, focusing on gene regulation and epigenomic control mechanisms in mammalian development and disease. The MPIMG, particularly its Department for Genome Regulation (Director: Alexander Meissner), provides an unparalleled training and teaching environment for highly skilled, ambitious researchers seeking challenges at the cutting edge of understanding epigenetic mechanisms.

The Department for Genome Regulation offers a for two years limited fulltime position, starting as soon as possible, as a Senior Research Assistant / PostDoc (f/m/d) in Computational Biology / Bioinformatics with a focus on data analysis and epigenetics. (up to E13 according to the TVöD Bund salary scale)

We are seeking a highly motivated fellow with a background in computational biology/bioinformatics/data science to join the team of Prof. Dr. Alexander Meissner, Director of the Department of Genome Regulation located at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics in Berlin-Dahlem. The Meissner lab is dedicated to decoding the role of epigenetic regulation in contexts of development and disease. We utilize various forms of state-of-the-art sequencing devices, which can decode the entire epigenetic material of a human being within a few days and thereby create terabytes of DNA data, which need to be analyzed, understood, and visualized to expand our knowledge on developmental regulation and disease states such as the transition from healthy tissue to cancer.

Our lab strives to be a welcoming and supportive environment where people of all backgrounds work collaboratively and focus on cutting-edge basic and translational science. Lab members typically focus on one or two areas of interest in the fields of epigenomic and transcriptomic genome regulation in developmental or cancer research using single-cell and next- as well as third-generation technologies. We provide extensive on-the-job training as needed for the projects. The position is offered initially for two years with the possibility of further extensions.

Responsibilities

The successful applicant will work in close collaboration with an international, interdisciplinary, and highly collaborative group of experimental scientists and be embedded in the computational group of the Department of Genome Regulation. The candidate will have access to all necessary computational infrastructure and will be included in various projects investigating epigenomic and transcriptomic second and third-generation sequencing data. We provide a dynamic and stimulating environment in which the candidate will have the opportunity to grow and improve their biological knowledge and computational skills. The ideal candidate has a strong computational and analytical background, interest in and possible experience in the analysis of epigenetic and transcriptomic sequencing data, and the ability to integrate and work within a team of scientists.

The general responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following activities:

• End-to-end processing and analysis of genomic sequencing data to address questions in translational bioinformatics with a focus on developmental and disease models
• Integration and analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing and potentially methylation data
• Participation in the preparation of manuscripts and scientific presentations
• Document progress, communicate and present analyses verbally and in writing to the group, institute members, and collaboration partners
• Work with group members and collaborators as well as independently on experimental design, data analysis, visualization, and interpretation

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD degree in quantitative science (e.g., bioinformatics, computational biological, chemical, physical, or data sciences) or with significant experience in computational biology and data analyses
• Experience in next-generation sequencing data processing, analysis, and visualization, as well as a basic understanding of molecular genetics
• Strong self-motivation, organizational skills, and the ability to contribute and develop scientific projects
• Scientific curiosity in the areas named above with a keen interest in learning new skills, analysis methods, and interpretation of results
• Ability to work in a team of young scientists, to be team-oriented, have excellent communication skills, and be driven by the interest in solving biological questions using computational approaches

We offer

• A varied job in an amazing and fun team located in one of the world's leading research institutes
• Flat hierarchies and a short decision-making process
• Very good opportunities for further education and training
• An initially limited full-time position (39h/week), but part-time can also be possible
• 30 vacation days per year (with a five-day week)
• Flexible work hours and the option to work mobile

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. 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.

Application

Please apply via our external application system, including a cover letter stating your research interests and experience, your CV and publication list, and the names and contact information of two references until 15^th of August 2024

We kindly ask you not to include an application photo with your application. We look forward to receiving your application, even if you do not fully match the job profile.