PhD project:
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is associated with profound changes of the DNA methylation patterns in the malignant cells. The mechanisms governing these changes and their functional relevance remain largely unknown. We aim to explore the emergence and temporal evolution of aberrant methylation patterns during AML development, therapy and relapse. We plan to develop computational tools to analyse the sequence of epigenetic changes and to infer the regulatory network governing the interaction among different, potentially distant, methylation sites. A long-term goal of this research is to leverage epigenetic information to predict disease evolution and therapy response. The computational models will be developed and validated using experimental data from the group of Prof. Dr. Dr. Wagner (Institute for Stem Cell Research, RWTH Aachen). The position will be located at the Institute for Computational Biomedicine & Disease Modeling.
Description and essential criteria:
1. Perform bioinformatic analyses of DNA-methylation profiles
2. Develop and apply statistical and mechanistic computational models to study DNA methylation dynamics in AML
3. Infer interaction networks that govern DNA methylation in health and disease
4. Develop new computational approaches in close collaboration with experimentalists
Your profile:
5. Very good master’s degree (or equivalent) in computational biology, bioinformatics, applied mathematics, physics, or a related field
6. Experience with computational modeling in a biological or medical context
7. Strong programming skills,, in Python, MATLAB, R, or Julia
8. Good communication skills in English spoken and written (Level C1)
9. Excellent skills in structured thinking and writing
10. Desirable: Basic knowledge in ordinary differential equations and statistical inference are beneficial Basic knowledge in cell biology or medicine
11. High motivation to work in an interdisciplinary research environment
12. Willingness to work with experimental data and to interact with experimentalists
Why you should choose us?
We offer…
13. 30 days of vacation per year for full-time employment
14. A bonus of 3,000 euros for employees who help recruit employees in the care sector
15. An attractive company pension scheme from VBL
16. Education opportunities, including updating and upgrading
17. Access to public transport
18. In-house kindergarten (places subject to availability)
19. Staff residences (places subject to availability and by arrangement)
20. An onboarding app for new employees
21. Extended opening hours in the staff restaurant