The Steinmetz group at EMBL Heidelberg is looking for an ambitious computational fellow

The Steinmetz group at EMBL Heidelberg is looking for an ambitious computational fellow (postdoc or research scientist, depending on the level of experience) interested in developing novel computational tools to explore exciting large-scale sequencing datasets of different cellular modalities and biological applications. We offer unique opportunities to develop own ideas using a multitude of data types that are generated in our lab on a daily basis. Our interest focusses but is not limited to the following areas:

• integrating data from different of single-cell modalities (genomes, transcriptomes, phenotypes) to understand the genetic basis of complex diseases

• explore long-read sequencing of genomes and transcriptomes of synthetic organisms and develop computational tools to understand the structure and evolution of genomes

• developing novel tools to analyze long-read and short-read sequencing data with isoform specificity of complex in vitro and in vivo disease model systems

• analyzing data from large-scale Perturb-seq/TAP-seq datasets by developing novel computational tools for causal inference and by leveraging the power of AI/ML

Our lab works across model organisms and systems, including yeast, human cells, complex 3D cell culture models, and animal models. We also work with synthetic organisms, such as the world’s first fully-synthetic eukaryote, Saccharomyces cerevisiae 2.0, which features an on-demand genome-wide recombination system engineered into its genome, to discover principles of genome design within an evolutionary context. Our lab has both wet lab and computational scientists, and works in long-standing collaborations with leading computational labs, such as Wolfgang Huber and Oliver Stegle.

Your role

• Lead the computational work in a team including one or several experienced experimental postdocs or PhD students

• Work in close collaboration with experimental scientists

• Process and analyse data from high-throughput sequencing experiments

• Develop, publish and maintain bioinformatic software

• Keep abreast of the latest methods in omics data generation, integration, and analysis • Develop computational tools for novel experimental techniques and technologies with academic and industrial partners

• Present ongoing work and findings internally and at conferences

You have

The successful candidate(s) will be highly motivated, creative, and capable of leading a scientific project at all stages, from experimental design to manuscript preparation. We specifically look for independent thinkers, who will be able to shape a project by developing their own ideas. Requirements:

• PhD in computer science, statistics, and/or mathematics

• Working experience in genetics, synthetic biology or a related field is mandatory.

• Proficiency in scripting languages, e.g. R or Python

• Experience with workflow management systems (e.g. Snakemake) and high-performance computing cluster environments (e.g. SLURM)

• Previous experience in analyzing data from long-read sequencing technologies are desired but not required

• Excellent English communication skills

If this sounds like you, then please contact Lars Steinmetz by email (larsms@embl.de) with your CV and a brief introduction about yourself, your research interests, and your motivation for joining our lab.

Why join us

EMBL is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organisation with a very collegial and family friendly working environment. The remuneration package comprises a competitive salary, a comprehensive pension scheme, medical, educational and other social benefits, and the availability of an excellent child care facility on campus.

What else you need to know

We are Europe’s flagship research laboratory for the life sciences – an intergovernmental organisation performing scientific research in disciplines including molecular biology, physics, chemistry and computer science. We are an international, innovative and interdisciplinary laboratory with approximately 1900 employees from many nations, operating across six sites, in Heidelberg (HQ), Barcelona, Hinxton near Cambridge, Hamburg, Grenoble and Rome. Our mission is to offer vital services in training scientists, students and visitors at all levels; to develop new instruments and methods in the life sciences and actively engage in technology transfer activities, and to integrate European life science research. Please note that appointments on fixed term contracts can be renewed, depending on circumstances at the time of the review.