欧洲分子生物学实验室2018年招聘博士后（计算机科学/统计遗传学/数学/物理/工程学/生物科学方向）

About the team/job

A Postdoctoral position in machine learning and computational single-cell genomics is available in the Statistical Genomics and Systems Genetics group at our laboratory in the Genome Biology Unit at EMBL Heidelberg in Germany.

Our research group is relocating from Cambridge to Heidelberg, where we bridge the excellence in molecular biology and biotechnology at EMBL Heidelberg with disease models and access to large biomedical datasets at the German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg. The position is funded via the recently awarded BMBF project MechML, which we are coordinating.The position will be jointly located at EMBL Heidelberg and DKFZ.

Your role

develop novel machine learning models that integrate mechanistic prior information and knowledge in a principled manner

apply these methods to large single-cell variation datasets with millions of cells, and to integrate spatial technologies with single-cell RNA-seq and epigenome methods

contribute to the Human Cell Atlas, as a node in the analysis working group

collaborate with partners in the MechML projects, the Human Cell Atlas, collaborators at EMBL, DKFZ and elsewhere

build on previous developments and expertise in the group, including factor model, linear mixed models and deep learning methods

Recent relevant publications:

Argelaguet, R., et al. (2018). Multi‐Omics Factor Analysis—a framework for unsupervised integration of multi‐omics data sets. Molecular Systems biology, 14, e8124.

Svensson, V., et al. (2018) SpatialDE: Identification of spatially variable genes. Nature Methods, 343–346.

Buettner, F., et al. (2017) f-scLVM: scalable and versatile factor analysis for single-cell RNA-seq." Genome biology 18.1 (217): 212.

Angermueller, Christof, et al. (2017) DeepCpG: accurate prediction of single-cell DNA methylation states using deep learning. Genome biology 18.1 (2017): 67.

Buettner, F., et al. (2015). Computational analysis of cell-to-cell heterogeneity in single-cell RNA-sequencing data reveals hidden subpopulations of cells. Nature biotechnology, 33(2), 155.

You have

a doctoral degree or equivalent qualification in computer science, statistics, mathematics, physics, and/or engineering, or a degree in biological science

previous experience in developing and applying computational methods applied to large datasets

prior experience in developing statistical methodology in a genomics context, including gene expression analysis, factor models, GWAS and analysis of NGS data.

previous usage of methods in any of the following fields is advantageous: statistics, machine learning, genetics, optimization and mathematical modeling

proficiency with a high-level programming language (e.g., C++, Java) and/or appropriate scripting languages, and statistical data analysis tools such as R, MATLAB or Python

ability to work independently and creatively

excellent communications skills and be able to articulate clearly the scientific and technical needs, set clear goals and work within an interdisciplinary setting, communicating with other partners within the MechML project and within the Human Cell Atlas project

You might also have

expertise in analysis and integration of multiomics data, statistical genetics, statistical interpretation and analysis of next-generation sequencing datasets and an ability to communicate results in scientific conferences and papers

a background in molecular biology, or previous experience tackling biological questions

Why join us

Why not? Well, EMBL is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organisation with a very collegial and family friendly working environment. The remuneration package comprises a competitive salary, a comprehensive pension scheme, medical, educational and other social benefits, as well as financial support for relocation and installation, including your family and the availability of an excellent child care facility on campus.

What else do I need to know

We are Europe’s flagship research laboratory for the life sciences – an intergovernmental organisation performing scientific research in disciplines including molecular biology, physics, chemistry and computer science. We are an international, innovative and interdisciplinary laboratory with more than 1600 employees from many nations, operating across six sites, in Heidelberg (HQ), Barcelona, Hinxton near Cambridge, Hamburg, Grenoble and Rome.

Our mission is to offer vital services in training scientists, students and visitors at all levels; to develop new instruments and methods in the life sciences and actively engage in technology transfer activities, and to integrate European life science research.

Please note that appointments on fixed term contracts can be renewed, depending on circumstances at the time of the review.