The Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften - ISAS - e. V. develops efficient analytical methods for health research. Thus, it contributes to the improvement of the prevention, early diagnosis, and therapy of diseases like cardiovascular diseases or cancer. Overall, the institute strives to advance precision medicine by combining knowledge from different fields such as biology, chemistry, computer science, medicine, pharmacology, and physics. ISAS is a member of the Leibniz Association and is publicly funded by the Federal Republic of Germany and its federal states.

At our location in Dortmund, we invite applications for a

PhD Candidate (m/f/d): Multidimensional Omics Data Analysis

Your tasks:

  • Prediction of metabolic activity in complex microbial communities, leveraging advanced computational tools and field-derived mircrobiome data
  • Prediction of the impact of microbial effectors on microbiomes
  • Develop intervention strategies – such as targeted knockouts of undesirable taxa or functions (e.g., by phages) – to optimize microbiome composition and function
  • Improvement of our current tool for microbiome modelling

Your profile:

  • Masters, Diploma or equivalent degree in Bioinformatics or similar, obtained by the start date
  • Experience in modeling using Python, MATLAB or similar
  • Basic programming skills
  • Proficiency in scientific English (written and spoken)
  • Willingness to spend several months at other institutions. The project includes the following secondments: three months at Anhalt University of Applied Science (Dirk Benndorf’s lab) in Köthen, Germany and two months at the de.NBI offices of Alexander Sczyrba in Bielefeld, Germany
  • The following conditions of international mobility of researchers must be fulfilled: Researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to recruitment

We offer:

  • A clear research topic as well as multifold training and support for PhD students in framework of ISAS and the Leibniz association
  • Training and scientific development opportunities in an international environment and an excellent working atmosphere in a very dynamic and professional team
  • Extensive state-of-the-art equipment and infrastructure in various analytical methods
  • The opportunity to present your data on international conferences and participate in workshops
  • A wide range of opportunities for further training and qualifications
  • Flexible working times, mobile working and attractive social benefits
  • Support in finding balance between work and family life (including finding childcare facilities, advice on caring for relatives) through a family service
  • Workplace health promotion and support for participation in TU Dortmund University sports activities

The position is to be filled within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral network METAMIC 3 - Metaproteome-based leveraged microbiome management in the context of One Health. METAMIC 3 is funded by the European Commission under the Horizon Europe framework programme (Grant Agreement number 101225682).

The METAMIC 3 project will embed Doctoral Candidates in a unique training environment to advance microbiome science through metaproteomics. The network addresses One Health challenges by integrating research on microbial mechanisms, microbiome dynamics in various ecosystems, and translational applications in clinical and biotech fields. Doctoral candidates will benefit from expertise across molecular biology, bioinformatics, clinical research, and environmental science, supported by collaborations among academia, industry, and public sector partners.

Non-residents who apply for this job will receive help from the institute to find accommodation and to handle authorities. Applications from disabled applicants are welcome. ISAS supports the principle of equal opportunity for all employees and therefore particularly encourages women to apply.

Successful candidates will be employed on a 36-month contract. The Research Executive Agency will provide a monthly amount of 4,768.12 EUR for the activity. The amount is made up of the Living Allowance - amounting to (4,010 EUR) - corrected by the country correction coefficient for Germany (101,2%), such as Mobility Allowance - amounting to 710 EUR. After deduction of the employer's social security contributions, this corresponds to an amount of approximately 3,900 EUR (gross employee salary, depending on personal requirements). If the eligibility requirements are met, an additional Family Allowance of 660 EUR gross will be paid.

The position is available on April 1, 2026. The time limitation of the contract is based on the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (WissZeitVG).

ISAS collects and processes the personal data of its applicants in accordance with European and German legal regulations. Further information on data protection and the processing of personal data can be found at: https://www.isas.de/en/datenschutz.

The closing date for applications is September 15, 2025. Please apply via our applicant portal. Informal requests (reference number 365_2025) are welcome and can be directed to the Human Resources team (bewerbungen@isas.de). Further information about the institute can be found at: http://www.isas.de/en.

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