PhD Student Bioinformatics, Computational Biology - Metagenomics (m/f/d)

The Microbiome Dynamics (MBD) department contributes to the development of personalized microbiome-based strategies to aid in the detection, monitoring, treatment, and prevention of human diseases (e.g., Ni et al., Cell Metabolism, 2023; Leung et al., Science Translational Medicine, 2022; Seelbinder et al., Nature Communications, 2023). MBD is currently coordinating the EU-funded consortium MiCCrobioTAckle (https://miccrobiotackle.eu/), the BMBF-funded consortium PerMICCion (www.permiccion.de), and is an active participant in the EU-funded consortia FOODGUARD and NUTRIMMUNE, 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 and the consortium SynThera funded by the Carl Zeiss Foundation.

We are seeking an excellent and enthusiastic PhD student in the field of metagenomics. The aim of this PhD project is to leverage advanced computational techniques to analyze extensive metagenomics datasets, uncovering the influence of diet on the gut virome and its subsequent impact on the development of metabolic diseases.

In this project, you will contribute to our vision of advancing precision medicine by unraveling the complex interactions between diet, the gut microbiome, and metabolic health. Candidates 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.

• 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
• Master’s degree in computational biology, bioinformatics, systems biology, bioengineering, chemical engineering, or a related discipline
• Knowledge of and experience in the analysis of metagenomics and/or biological high-throughput data
• Knowledge of statistical methods in the context of biological systems
• Experience with programming (Python, Perl, C++, R)
• Well-developed collaborative skills

• The successful candidates will be hosted in the Department Microbiome Dynamics of Prof. 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.
• The Leibniz-HKI provides an international and multi-disciplinary environment with strong expertise in the proposed research fields. 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.