Your group

The Huber group develop statistical and machine learning methods for multi-modal single cell and spatial omics data. They collaborate with biomedical researchers on clinical studies to translate basic science into new diagnostic, stratification and treatment options. They contribute to open science by providing their methods reusable tools in open source communities. More information can be found here. [https://www.huber.embl.de/]

You will participate in the INTeRCePT3.0 collaboration on dynamic individualised risk modelling to improve lymphoma treatment, which is part of the Zurich Precision Oncology Consortium.

Your supervisor

Wolfgang Huber is a Research Group Leader and EMBL Senior Scientist. His research uses statistical data analysis and machine learning to advance modern biotechnology development and applications. He co-heads the Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit of EMBL and Heidelberg University. He is a co-founder of Bioconductor, EMBO Member, ISCB Fellow, ELLIS Fellow.

The INTeRCePT3.0 collaboration is led by Thorsten Zenz, a physician scientist at the University Hospital Zurich (USZ), where he works as a senior physician in haematology and leads a research group. He has received multiple awards, including the Paul-Martini Prize, for his work on precision medicine in leukaemia and lymphoma. 

Your role 

We invite applications for a PhD-level scientist to work at the intersection of computational biology method development and clinical research in the INTeRCePT3.0 collaboration, which includes physician scientists, immunologists, pathologists, computational biologists and machine learning experts for spatial, single cell and integrative omics.

You will develop prognostic and interpretable biostatistics and machine learning based prediction models for response to CAR T cell treatment of lymphoma, based on multimodal spatial and single omics data at time of diagnosis, and on dynamic, densely sampled peripheral blood sequencing during and after treatment. Your task involves close coordination with the domain experts and data producers for the individual data modalities, giving you the chance to oversee and shape the whole data flow from production over data management, separate and integrated quality assessment, feature engineering and representation learning, biostatistical modelling to derivation of mechanistic hypotheses that your consortium collaborators can experimentally test.

The position mixes independent research and teamwork. Your research may comprise computational method development as well as biomedical discovery. Your team roles include communal activities like data management, curation, coordination on interoperability and workflow standardization, and open science practices. It rewards you with access to unique, new data types, ability to learn from world-leaders in a range of topics, and real-world impact.

You have 

• PhD degree in a relevant area of science (computational biology, statistics, or a similar field)

• Sound conceptual understanding of biostatistics, linear algebra, machine learning and mathematical modelling, data visualization, and relevant research experience evidenced by scientific outputs (publications, software).

• Strong analytical and programming skills, including R and Python.

• Experience in Unix-based environments, high-performance computing and the development of reproducible data analysis pipelines using notebooks (e.g., Quarto) and version control systems.

• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

• Attention to detail and precision.

• Communication skills in written and spoken English.

You may also have

• Background in cancer biology.

• Experience in data management and multi-partner consortia.

Contract length:

 3 years, with possibility to extend (funded by grant)

Salary:
Depending on prior experience, the post holder will start as an EMBL research officer at Grade 5 or 6, or begin as a Postdoc with the intention of advancing to research officer level after reaching certain milestones.

Professional development support

The EMBL Fellows’ Career Service provides support and guidance to predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows across all six EMBL’s sites.

Working with a dedicated Careers Advisor, this invaluable service will help you to take informed decisions about your career planning both in the short and longer term. Whether your main interest is pursuing a career path in academia, exploring opportunities in industry or exploring an independent venture, the EMBL Fellows’ Career Service with provide you with a portfolio of activities and resources to help you.

To find out more please visit - EMBL-fellows-career-service

Why join us

Join a culture of innovation 
We are located on the Wellcome Genome Campus, alongside other prominent research and biotech organisations, and surrounded by beautiful Cambridgeshire countryside. This is a highly collaborative and inclusive community where our employees enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. We are committed to ensuring our employees feel valued, supported and empowered to reach their professional potential. 

Enjoy lots of employee benefits:

• Financial incentives: Monthly family and child allowances, generous stipend reviewed yearly, pension scheme, death benefit and unemployment insurances

• Flexible working arrangements including hybrid working patterns 

• Private medical insurance for you and your immediate family 

• Generous time off: 30 days annual leave per year in addition to public holidays

• Campus life: Free shuttle bus (Heidelberg), on-site library, subsidised on-site cafeteria, casual dress code, extensive sports and social club activities (on campus and remotely)

• Family benefits: Kindergarten (Heidelberg), 10 days of child sick leave, paid maternity & parental leave, holiday clubs on campus and monthly family and child allowances
   

What else you need to know

• International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions. Read more on our page for international applicants. 

• Diversity and inclusion: At EMBL, we believe that diverse teams drive innovation and scientific excellence. We encourage applications from candidates of all genders, identities, nationalities and/or any other diverse backgrounds.

• Job location: All our fellowships are based on-site (for at least part of each week). If you are living overseas, you will receive a generous relocation package to support you. 

• EMBL is a signatory of DORA. Find out how we apply DORA principles to our recruitment and performance assessment processes here

• How to apply: To apply please submit a cover letter and a CV through our online system. Applications will close at 23:59 CET on the date shown below. We aim to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date.

Closing Date