PhD Position (m/f/d) – Computational Biology & Single-Cell Genomics – Decoding Brain Development

at the Institute of Clinical Genetics

The doctoral position is available as soon as possible and is initially limited to a period of three years. Remuneration is based on the pay scale regulations of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federal States (TV-L) and, subject to personal eligibility, is possible at pay group E13 (65% doctoral position).

The Functional Neurogenomics research group led by Philipp Abe investigates the molecular foundations of brain development, with a particular focus on the early formation of neuronal circuits. Within the framework of the “ThalamoConnect” project, state-of-the-art single-cell technologies and bioinformatic analyses are employed to decipher the genetic programs that govern the connectivity of brain regions and play a role in neurological disorders when these processes are disrupted.

We look forward to receiving your complete and compelling application, including a one-page motivation letter, curriculum vitae, academic transcripts, and contact information for two referees.

Your Role – Where Your Expertise Is Needed:

• Analysis and interpretation of high-resolution single-cell RNA-seq and scATAC-seq data to elucidate cellular processes

• Processing and integration of spatial transcriptomics data to reveal molecular patterns in their tissue context

• Development, optimization, and application of bioinformatic pipelines for data integration, analysis, and visualization of complex datasets

• Computational modeling of gene regulatory networks to investigate molecular control mechanisms

• Active contribution to scientific publications and support in project and third-party funding applications with the aim of completing a doctorate (Ph.D. / Dr. rer. medic.)

• Supervision and technical support of students (Bachelor’s, Master’s, medical students) in daily laboratory and project work

Your Profile – A Perfect Fit:

• Completed university degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, statistics, or a comparable field

• Strong programming skills in common analysis environments such as R and/or Python

• Experience in the analysis of single-cell genomics data, ideally using tools such as Seurat or Scanpy

• Enthusiasm for statistical modeling and machine learning to analyze complex biological datasets

• High level of care and attention to detail

• Excellent teamwork and communication skills

• Initiative and strong self-organization skills

Our Offer – Convincing Across the Board:

• A stimulating research environment at a leading university medical center
• Access to TUD High-performance computing resources
• Close supervision and integration into collaborative research networks

• Compensation: In accordance with the collective agreement, plus an annual special payment, subject to personal eligibility

• Leave: 30 days of paid annual leave

• Professional Development: Extensive internal and external training and continuing education opportunities to continuously strengthen your skills

• Work Culture: We value transparency, team spirit, and shared success. Join us at social events or sporting activities such as the REWE Team Challenge

• Mobility: Job bike program and subsidy for public transport tickets to support an environmentally friendly and convenient commute

• Health & Well-being: Access to modern sports and exercise programs at our health center, mental health initiatives, and comprehensive occupational health management

• Employee Benefits: Discounts at our hospital pharmacy, exclusive corporate benefits, and additional shopping platforms

Your contact in the HR Directorate

Elena Koch

Tel: 0351-458- 2594