PhD Position – High-Dimensional Multi-Omics Data Integration

Conducting research for a changing society: This is what drives us at Forschungszentrum Jülich. As a member of the Helmholtz Association, we aim to tackle the grand societal challenges of our time and conduct research into the possibilities of a digitized society, a climate-friendly energy system, and a resource-efficient economy. Work together with around 7,100 employees in one of Europe’s biggest research centres and help us to shape change!

You want to apply your data science knowledge to the basic research questions and societal challenges of our modern world? Our scientists in the Helmholtz School for Data Science in Life, Earth and Energy (HDS-LEE) address some of the most pressing issues of our time, such as energy transition, climate change and resource scarcity, brain function, drug design, and identification of diseases at very early stages.

As HDS-LEE, we aim to educate and train the next generation of data scientists during their doctoral thesis in close contact to domain-specific knowledge and research in three application domains: life and medical science, earth science, and energy systems and material science. Visit HDS-LEE at hds-lee.de/.

Data is the new resource of the 21^st century and data availability seems endless. Would you like to establish a part of the data relationship lifecycle for plant science? Then the division of Bioinformatics (IBG-4) at the Institute of Bio- and Geosciences at the Research Centre Jülich is the right place for you. IBG-4 works on and develops methods and algorithms to achieve a fundamental understanding, especially of high-dimensional data and processes in the bioeconomy. The IBG-4 focuses on knowledge management and data integration, classical bioinformatics, and machine learning, in particular for the prediction of phenotypes on biological questions concerning transcriptional reprogramming of plants during abiotic stress response, identification of metabolic path-ways for secondary metabolites, and understanding plant cell wall biosynthesis.

We are offering a
PhD Position – High-Dimensional Multi-Omics Data Integration

Your Job:

Your project has the aim to develop novel (interactive) workflow tools for high-dimensional data integration and data mining. The data used should comprise multiple omics disciplines, e.g. transcripts, metabolites, and epigenetic signals. Currently many analyses comprise ad hoc methods or “standard” procedures that are disjunct. Within this project the main goals are:

• Standardization and workflow development for such integrative data
• Developing integrative data mining and visualization tools
• Integration of data from public experiments and different species

Your Profile:

• High interest to apply your data science knowledge to bioinformatics
• M.Sc. degree (or comparable) in bioinformatics, computer science, data science, or in the natural sciences with a strong background in software development / engineering and/or data science
• Very positive university track record verified by bachelor and master study transcripts and two reference letters
• Expertise in JavaScript and modern web technologies on Unix systems as well as in, e.g., Java / C++ / C or Rust
• Background in data science and/or machine learning
• Experience with plant data and metadata and corresponding acquisition / storage technologies as well as familiarity with R is a plus
• Excellent communication skills in English are mandatory: TOEFL or equivalent evidence of Englishspeaking skills
• Outstanding organizational skills and the ability to work independently
• Very good cooperation and communication skills and ability to work as part of a team in an international and interdisciplinary environment

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

• Outstanding scientific and technical infrastructure
• Unique HDS-LEE graduate school program including block courses on “data science methods and applications”, training courses (e.g. at the Jülich Supercomputing Center), and annual retreats
• A highly motivated group as well as an international and interdisciplinary working environment at one of Europe’s largest research establishments
• Interdisciplinary data science and applied bioinformatics in a high impact research project
• Chance of participating in (international) conferences
• Doctoral degree conferred by the Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf
• Qualification that is highly welcome in industry
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
• Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. via a comprehensive further training program: a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors

The position is initially for a fixed term of three years. Pay will be in line with 100% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60% of a monthly salary as special payment (“Christmas bonus”). Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich including our other locations is available here.

Forschungszentrum Jülich promotes equal opportunities and diversity in its employment relations. We also welcome applications from disabled persons.

The job will be advertised until the position has been successfully filled. You should therefore submit your application as soon as possible. We look forward to receiving your application via our Online Recruitment System!

Questions about the vacancy?

Get in touch with us by using our contact form. Please note that for technical reasons we cannot accept applications via email.