Data Scientist in the field of Cancer Genomics / Epigenomics
Reference number: 2024-0258
- Heidelberg
- Vollzeit
- Pediatric Neurooncology
“Research for a life without cancer" is our mission at the German Cancer Research Center. We investigate how cancer develops, identify cancer risk factors and look for new cancer prevention strategies. We develop new methods with which tumors can be diagnosed more precisely and cancer patients can be treated more successfully. Every contribution counts – whether in research, administration or infrastructure. This is what makes our daily work so meaningful and exciting.
The Division of Pediatric Neurooncology at the German Cancer Research Center and the Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg is seeking a
The Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ) is a joint institution of the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), the Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and the University of Heidelberg (UniHD). As a treatment and research center for oncological and hematological diseases in children and adolescents, the KiTZ is committed to scientifically explore the biology of childhood cancer and closely link promising research approaches with patient care – from diagnosis to treatment and aftercare.
The Division of Pediatric Neurooncology at the German Cancer Research Center and the Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg is seeking to fill a data scientist position in computational biology for the DNA methylation classifier project.
The “Clinical Bioinformatics – Translational Genomics” group led by Dr. Robert J. Autry focuses on developing computational methods and workflows to answer clinically relevant questions across the range of childhood cancers by interrogating genomic and epi-genomic alterations. We aim to elucidate the mechanisms underlying cancer predisposition, tumorigenesis and therapeutic response to discover novel therapeutic targets and to improve diagnosis, prevention, risk stratification, disease monitoring and clinical outcome in children.
Your Tasks
A postdoctoral / data scientist position is available in our group for a highly motivated and skilled computational biologist. The successful candidate will lead a project aimed at establishing and developing innovative computational approaches to develop and train models (e.g., random forest, neural network) used to maintain and enhance DNA methylation tumor classifiers developed in the Division of Pediatric Neurooncology at the KiTZ / DKFZ in Heidelberg.
This is an exciting opportunity for a computationally minded leader to learn and develop computational tools to improve and automate the established gold standard methylation classifier for tumors. Additionally, this position offers opportunities to initiate novel projects in tumor classification, early detection, and functional characterization, as well as explore potential applications beyond pediatric oncology. The candidate will work with large cancer datasets, engaging in cutting-edge clinical cancer research and collaborating with teams worldwide.
Moreover, this role will involve close interaction with Heidelberg Epignostix GmbH (https://epignostix.com/), a subsidiary company developed from our research initiatives, providing a unique interface between academic research and commercial application. The successful candidate will be uniquely positioned at the interface of bioinformatics, clinical research, and translational innovation, with a dynamic outlook towards both scientific discovery and its real-world application.
For more information about the Autry Group, visit our website.
Your Profile
- PhD and master's degree (or equivalent) in bioinformatics, computational biology, genomics, biostatistics, computer science, or a related field
- 2+ years of postdoctoral experience (recommended but not required)
- Strong bioinformatics analytical skills and experience with Linux / Unix command line and programming languages (e.g., R, Python, Bash)
- Desired experience in database management (SQL) and app development (e.g., Shiny)
- Encouraged experience in machine learning and high-performance computing environments
- Expertise in the analysis and integration of next-generation sequencing and other multi-omics data is a plus
- Excellent communication skills in English with the ability to write publications, present research proposals and results, and represent the lab at meetings and conferences
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
We Offer
Excellent framework conditions: state-of-the-art equipment and opportunities for international networking at the highest level
30 days of vacation per year
Flexible working hours
Remuneration according to TV-L incl. occupational pension plan and capital-forming payments
Possibility of mobile work and part-time work
Family-friendly working environment
Sustainable travel to work: subsidized Germany job ticket
Unleash your full potential: targeted offers for your personal development to further develop your talents
Our Corporate Health Management Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being
Are you interested?
Then become part of the DKFZ and join us in contributing to a life without cancer!
Dr. Robert Autry
Phone: +49 (0)6221/42-3639
We are convinced that an innovative research and working environment thrives on the diversity of its employees. Therefore, we welcome applications from talented people, regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical ability, religion and age. People with severe disabilities are given preference if they have the same aptitude.
