The German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher / Bioinformatician (m/f/x) at its site in Bonn. This role offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to high-impact research on neurodegenerative diseases within a globally recognized institution.
About DZNE
DZNE is a leading international research center dedicated to advancing the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. With interdisciplinary teams and state-of-the-art infrastructure, the institute integrates clinical, population-based, and computational approaches to address complex neurological disorders.
Research Environment
The position is embedded within the Population & Clinical Neuroepidemiology Group, led by Ahmad Aziz. The group focuses on identifying risk factors, biomarkers, and disease mechanisms using large-scale cohort data and advanced bioinformatic techniques.
Research areas include:
- Genomic instability and somatic mutations
- Role of retrotransposable elements in disease development
- Integration of deep phenotypic and multi-omics datasets
- Epidemiological modelling of neurodegenerative disorders
You will collaborate closely with researchers at University of Bonn and international partners across academia and industry.
Key Responsibilities
As a postdoctoral researcher, your role will combine leadership, analysis, and scientific communication:
- Oversee acquisition and processing of complex datasets (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics)
- Supervise graduate and PhD researchers
- Analyze next-generation sequencing data, including long-read technologies
- Develop novel bioinformatic methods for detecting genomic instability and somatic mutations
- Prepare and publish manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals
- Contribute to grant writing and funding applications
- Maintain collaborations with internal and external partners
Candidate Profile
DZNE seeks a researcher with both technical depth and collaborative strength:
- PhD in computational biology, bioinformatics, molecular biology, or related discipline
- Proven experience in large-scale multi-omics analysis, especially genomics and transcriptomics
- Strong quantitative and analytical capabilities
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and lead projects
- Experience supervising junior researchers
- Excellent scientific writing and communication skills in English
- German language skills are advantageous but not mandatory
Scientific Focus
This position centers on leveraging deep phenotypic and cohort-based datasets to uncover biological mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases.
Core research objectives include:
- Identifying genetic and molecular risk factors
- Characterizing somatic mutations across tissues
- Investigating genomic instability as a driver of disease
- Developing computational tools for high-throughput sequencing analysis
The role also involves coordinating bio-sample preparation workflows, designing sequencing strategies, and implementing advanced computational pipelines.
Working Environment
You will join a highly interdisciplinary and international team within DZNE’s Population Health Sciences section. The team spans multiple disciplines, including:
- Epidemiology
- Bioinformatics and machine learning
- Clinical research
- Psychology and biology
This collaborative ecosystem fosters both scientific innovation and professional growth.
Benefits and Conditions
DZNE offers a competitive and supportive research environment:
- Advanced research infrastructure and modern computational resources
- Collaboration with scientists from over 65 countries
- Flexible working hours and strong work-life balance
- 30 days of annual leave plus additional holidays
- Access to training programs and structured career development
- Campus-based workplace with green surroundings in Bonn
- Health and wellness programs
- Salary and benefits under TVöD-Bund (German public sector agreement), including pension contributions
Application Process
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Required Documents (Single PDF, in English):
- Letter of motivation
- Detailed academic CV
- Academic transcripts
- At least two references
- Important: Applicants may request that referees are not contacted prior to consent. Apply Online: Please submit your application online via https://jobs.dzne.de/en/p/_copy7627/jobs/101608/form
