Bioinformatics PhD Position – Computational Immunology (f/m/d)

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Das Sind Wir

We investigate autoimmune diseases, including inflammatory arthritis and fibrotic diseases, with a focus on mesenchymal activation in inflammation-driven immune disease. Computational analysis is a core component of our work, enabling discovery across multi-omics datasets and supporting publication-driven research.

Relevante Veröffentlichungen

• Skin-derived myeloid precursors and joint-resident fibroblasts spread psoriatic disease from skin to joints
• CD200+ fibroblasts form a pro-resolving mesenchymal network in arthritis
• Matrix stiffness regulates profibrotic fibroblast differentiation and fibrotic niche activation in systemic sclerosis

Our laboratory has access to advanced single-cell and spatial profiling technologies, including single-cell RNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics (Visium/MERSCOPE) and imaging mass cytometry (IMC), alongside established in vitro and in vivo model systems and close links to clinical research. You will work with complex datasets in an environment that values rigorous, reproducible computational science.

Position

We are looking for a motivated PhD candidate (f/m/d) to join our bioinformatics team. In this role, you will contribute to ongoing and new computational projects, develop reproducible analysis workflows, and support data-driven discovery across our research program.

Tasks

• Analyze high-dimensional multi-omics datasets (including single-cell and spatial data) using state-of-the-art computational methods.
• Develop, implement, and maintain reproducible analysis pipelines (QC, integration, statistics, visualization, reporting).
• Apply statistical and machine learning methods to generate robust biological insights.
• Curate and manage data and metadata to ensure reproducibility, traceability, and efficient downstream analysis.
• Contribute to scientific outputs, including figures, methods, and text for manuscripts and presentations.

Qualification

• Master’s degree (or equivalent; completed by the start date) in Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Data Science, Computational Biology, or a related discipline.
• Basic understanding of immunology / molecular biology.
• Strong programming skills in R and Python.
• Practical experience with high-dimensional data analysis (omics preferred).
• Solid understanding of statistics.
• Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and ability to work independently.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Working hours: 65% to 100% (based on level of experience)

We offer

• Employment according to TV-L (depending on eligibility and final classification).
• The opportunity to contribute substantially to publication-driven projects, with realistic chances for co-authorship on high-impact manuscripts depending on contribution and project needs.
• Direct exposure to translational immunology, working at the interface of experimental models and clinically relevant questions.
• Access to cutting-edge technologies and datasets, including scRNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics (MERSCOPE), IMC, and CyTOF.
• Support for presenting work at international conferences and engaging with an international scientific community.
• Access to a strong network of established collaborators and scientists across immunology and rheumatology.
• Optional structured PhD training via e.g.