Postdoc Position – Computational Biologist
Reference number: 2024-0267
- Heidelberg
- Full-time
- Precision Sarcoma Research
“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 Precision Sarcoma Research group within the research program Functional and Structural Genomics at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) is seeking a postdoctoral researcher in computational biology to work on German Research Foundation (DFG) funded translational research projects involving multi-level characterization of bone and soft-tissue sarcoma for precision cancer medicine.
Sarcomas are aggressive mesenchymal malignancies with poor prognosis that are difficult to diagnose and largely incurable in the metastasis stage. The unmet medical need in this large group of rare cancers urgently calls for development of innovative, effective and well-tolerated treatments. Our research group aims to address this challenge by systematic investigation of the genomic, transcriptomic and immunologic landscapes of a large cohort of prospectively collected and clinically annotated primary human sarcoma specimens that have been characterized by state-of-the-art molecular profiling methods. Promising findings from this approach are substantiated by mechanistic investigations using suitable model systems and a comprehensive functional genomics toolkit. Our goal is to better understand critical processes underlying sarcomagenesis and bring forward biology-guided therapeutic targets for evaluation in clinical trials.
Your Tasks
The task is to uncover the mechanisms and key players of genomic instability-induced tumor heterogeneity and associated (immuno-)therapeutic susceptibility in sarcomas by integrative analysis of mass, single cell and spatial (transcriptomics and proteomics) profiles of tumor samples. The role is to take the lead in this project in a multidisciplinary team of molecular biologists (PhD student and research assistant) and clinicians by performing computational and wet-lab research, leading and coordinating, and scientific communication.
Your Profile
- Master's degree and PhD or equivalent in bioinformatics, computational biology, cancer biology or similar
- Strong background in analyzing and integrating large-scale bulk multi-omics datasets, experience in single-cell and spatial-omics approaches
- Proficiency in programming languages such as R and Python, bash scripting and deep learning frameworks
- Ability to acquire and process data from sequencing facilities or public resources, work with HPCs, run, adapt existing pipelines (in-house or nf-core) and develop new ones
- Profound knowledge of cancer biology, immunology and cancer genomics that is constantly updated with thorough literature review
- Ability to work independently as well as in a team with outstanding self-initiative, positive work attitude, strong work ethic and team spirit
- Excellent writing, presentation and data management skills, ability to communicate complex concepts effectively in meetings and conferences
- Good knowledge of English is required for the job
Applications must include a CV, cover letter, complete list of publications, references or recommendation letters, and expected availability date. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
We Offer
Excellent framework conditions: state-of-the-art equipment and opportunities for international networking at the highest level
Remuneration according to TV-L incl. occupational pension plan and capital-forming payments
30 days of vacation per year
Flexible working hours
Possibility of part-time work
Family-friendly working environment
Sustainable travel to work: subsidized Germany job ticket
Our Corporate Health Management Program offers a holistic approach to your well-being
Develop your full potential: access to the DKFZ International Postdoc Program and DKFZ Career Service with targeted offers for your personal development to further develop your talents
Are you interested?
Then become part of the DKFZ and join us in contributing to a life without cancer!
Dr. Priya Chudasama
Phone: +49 6221 42 1600
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.
