Your Job:
1. Develop methods and workflows to construct robust co-regulation networks from large single-cell and spatial transcriptomics datasets
2. Integrate ontologies and metadata (, tissue, cell type, developmental stage, treatment) to build tissue- and context-specific co-regulation networks
3. Design and implement clustering and integration approaches (, network-based and subspace clustering)
4. Use co-regulation networks for gene function and protein–protein functional relationship prediction (guilt-by-association), and benchmark them against existing bulk co-expression resources
5. Compare and optimise the developed methods on real biological datasets; work closely with experimental partners for interpretation and validation of results
6. Contribute to the integration of the developed methods into open-source software tools and data portals of the institute • Collaborate with internal and external, as well as national and international, project partners
7. Present your results at national and international conferences
8. Prepare scientific publications and project reports
Your Profile:
9. Genuine interest in data science and one or more of its application domains: life and medical sciences, earth sciences, energy systems, or material sciences
10. A Masters degree with a strong academic background in mathematics, computer science, physics, material science, earth science, life science, engineering, or a related field
11. Proficiency in at least one programming language (Python, R, C++, Julia, …)
12. Good analytical skills with a sound understanding of data evaluation
13. Prior experience with single-cell data analysis, network analysis, or machine learning are a plus
14. Good organisational skills and ability to work both independently and collaboratively
15. Effective communication skills and an interest in contributing to a highly international and interdisciplinary team
16. Motivation for academic development, supported by bachelor’s and master’s transcripts and two reference letters
17. Working proficiency in English for daily communication and professional or equivalent or exemption required)
18. Knowledge of German is beneficial
Our Offer:
We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! This HDS-LEE PhD position will be located at Forschungszentrum Jülich, HHU Düsseldorf and Aarhus. We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:
19. Outstanding scientific and technical infrastructure
20. Cutting Edge data are available for analysis
21. Highly motivated groups as well as an international and interdisciplinary working environment at one of Europe’s largest research establishments
22. Continuous scientific mentoring by your scientific advisors
23. Chance of participating in (international) conferences
24. Unique HDS-LEE graduate school program (including data science courses, soft skill courses and annual retreats)
25. Qualification that is highly welcome in industry
26. Further development of your personal strengths, via a comprehensive further training program; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors:
27. 30 Days of annual leave and flexible working arrangements, including partial remote work
28. Targeted services for international employees, through our International Advisory Service
The position is initially limited to three years, with a planned one-year extension. Pay in line with 75% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment („Christmas bonus“).