Postdoctoral Researcher in Pathogen Evolution (m/f/d)
The Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine is the largest Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Germany and is the National Reference Centre for Tropical Pathogens, a WHO Collaborating Centre, and a member of the Leibniz Research Association.
The Computational Infection Biology Department, led by Thomas Otto, is seeking a highly motivated
Postdoctoral Researcher in Pathogen Evolution (m/f/d)
– full-time or part-time, EG 13 TV-AVH –
Our group develops and applies computational tools to investigate host–pathogen interactions and their evolution, with the goal of identifying novel intervention strategies. We work with a variety of datasets to study pathogen genomes, evolutionary dynamics, and the development of large gene families in protozoan parasites.
Aufgaben
- Study genetic variation and mutation rates in pathogens
- Model gene family evolution in malaria and related organisms
- Assemble and annotate genomes of novel pathogens
- Analyse transcriptomic datasets (bulk and single-cell)
- Provide bioinformatics support to other BNITM groups
- Contribute to teaching and training activities within the Otto group
- Supervise bachelor's, master's, and PhD students
- Contribute to project development and independent research initiatives
Profil
- PhD in parasitology, bioinformatics, evolutionary biology, or a related field
- Proven experience in pathogen evolution or comparative genomics
- Strong programming skills (Python and/or R)
- Experience with NGS data analysis (genomics and transcriptomics)
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment
- A publication record in relevant fields is an asset
- Experience in teaching is a plus
- Experience in supporting wetlab scientists (core bioinformatics) is a plus
- Proficiency in English (oral and written)
- Excellent organisational skills and ability to plan and execute experiments independently and flexibly
- Strong team spirit and communication skills
- Creative mindset and strong problem-solving capabilities
- Proficiency in commonly used software is expected (e.g. Office, Adobe is a plus)
Wir bieten
- An interesting and challenging job in a creative, supportive and highly motivated team
- An attractive, interdisciplinary research environment with state-of-the-art facilities
- Opportunities to realise independent research projects
- 30 days of vacation per year
- Flexible and family-friendly working hours
- Childcare subsidy
- Subsidy for HVV-ProfiTicket as “Deutschlandticket” (Basic)
- Company pension scheme
- Opportunities for further education and training
Remuneration is paid in accordance with TV-AVH (collective agreement of the Hamburg Labour Law Association) in pay group EG 13. The position should start in October 2025 and is initially limited to 3 years.
We support our employees in achieving a work-life balance and promote the professional equality of women, men and non-binary people. We strive to assist women in their scientific career, increase the number of women in research and reduce under-representation in all areas and positions in general. We explicitly welcome applications from people with disabilities.
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