Postdoctoral Researcher in Metagenomics – Deadline 31 August 2024

As part of a new EU-funded project, the Microbiome Dynamics (MDB) department contributes to developing microbiome-based creative solutions to address precision nutrition for immune health. We are seeking an excellent and enthusiastic postdoc scientist in the fields of metagenomics and/or big data to work on this project and collaborate closely with an extensive network of top European scientists and start-ups. The objective of the project is to integrate microbiomics and clinical data to identify biomarkers of impaired immune response in obese people.

The candidate will also have the opportunity to contribute to several national and international research projects focused on the role of the microbiome in globally significant diseases. Together with renowned scientists and supported by an excellent infrastructure, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a healthier, cleaner, and fairer society. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

• Doctoral degree in systems biology, computational biology, bioinformatics, computer science, or a related discipline
• A strong interest in conducting collaborative research on the topic outlined above is paramount
• Candidates are expected to be interested in working at the boundaries of several research domains
• Expert in the analysis of metagenomics and biological high-throughput data
• Knowledge of statistical methods in the context of biological systems
• Proficiency with programming (Python, Perl, C++, R)
• Well-developed collaborative skills

• The successful candidate will be hosted in the Department of Microbiome Dynamics of Prof. Dr. Gianni Panagiotou of the Leibniz-HKI in an international, dynamic team and an “open-door” atmosphere with access to state-of-the-art computational resources.
• MBD (Microbiome Dynamics) is currently coordinating the BMBF-funded consortium PERMICCION (www.permiccion.de) and is an active participant in the EU-funded consortium FOODGUARD, the Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse” (www.microverse-cluster.de) and the CRC/Transregio 124 “Pathogenic Fungi and Their Human Host: Networks of Interaction” (www.funginet.de) funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft.
• The Leibniz-HKI provides an international and multi-disciplinary environment with strong expertise in the proposed research field. The group consists of approximately 15 members at different levels of seniority.

Salary is paid according to German TV-L (salary agreement for public service employees). As an equal opportunity employer, the Leibniz-HKI is committed to increasing the percentage of female scientists and, therefore, especially encourages them to apply.

Leibniz-HKI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. It aims to increase the proportion of underrepresented groups in case of equal suitability. All qualified persons, regardless of color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other classification protected by law will receive consideration for employment.

Complete applications in English should include a cover letter, a CV containing a complete list of publications, a brief statement of research experiences, and the addresses of two possible referees and should be submitted via the Leibniz-HKI online application system. The deadline for the advertisement is August 31, 2024, but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.