The School VI of Medicine and Health Sciences includes the areas of Human Medicine, Medical Physics and Acoustics, Neuroscience, Psychology and Health Services Research. Together with the four regional hospitals the School VI forms the Oldenburg University Medical Center. We also cooperate closely with the University Medical Center at the University of Groningen.

In the division for Medical Genetics of the Department of Human Medicine there is a vacancy for a

Molecular biologist/Computational biologist (m/f/d) / (PhD)
(Salary according to TV-L E13, 75%)

to be filled as soon as possible for a limited period of 3 years (potential extension). There is the possibility of personal scientific qualification [doctorate thesis].

The position will be hosted at the Institute of Medical Genetics, University of Oldenburg. Our group uses multi-omic approaches (genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic) to elucidate the molecular basis of congenital heart diseases (CHD).

We implement next-generation sequencing (NGS) and long-read nanopore sequencing to identify pathogenic genetic variants. In addition, we apply single-cell RNA sequencing and emerging methods of spatial biology to study normal cell development and disease progression. Our group collaborates with international teams from the UK, the US, Canada, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Denmark.

The candidate will use NGS, nanopore sequencing, and single cell-RNA seq to identify pathogenic gene variants and elucidate molecular mechanisms associated with CHD. The candidate will implement bioinformatic pipelines to analyze large-scale genomic and transcriptomic data as part of the research project.

The candidate will also assess the added diagnostic value of nanopore sequencing in unresolved CHD cases previously tested with gene panels and/or exome/genome sequencing. As part of the project, the candidate will implement novel techniques, using cell-culture-based assays to functionally evaluate the impact of the identified variants on early cardiac development.

Tasks include:

• Implement protocols for WGS, long-read nanopore sequencing, and transcriptomics analysis of CHD patients.
• Establish bioinformatic pipelines for evaluating CHD patients' NGS, nanopore, and transcriptomic datasets.
• Perform variant prioritization and pathogenic variants identification from nanopore sequencing datasets using bioinformatic tools (for example, Guppy, EPI2ME).
• Establish experimental studies to evaluate the functional impact and describe the molecular mechanism of pathogenicity of identified variants.
• Preparation of research manuscripts and collaboration on scientific projects.
• Collaboration in teaching.

Required qualifications:

• Completed university studies in natural/computational sciences and/or relates (Master's Degree or equivalent).
• Biostatistical knowledge 
• Strong communication skills in English (spoken and written) 
• Team-oriented working style
• Previous experience with research in the field of CHD
• Experience with NGS, long-read sequencing, genomics and genomics data analysis
• Wet-lab experience with cell culture and functional evaluation of pathogenic genetic variants.
• Experience in preparing human pathology sections and stainings.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with NGS protocols and its downstream analysis
• Programming skills in R and Python

We offer:

• An interdisciplinary and collaborative environment that supports innovation and professional development of team members.
• Participation in the development of a young university team with creative freedom.
• The possibility of independent scientific project work.
• Collaboration with national and international teams and consortia.
• Payment in accordance with collective bargaining law (particular annual payment, public service pension scheme, asset-related benefits) incl. 30 days annual leave
• Support and guidance during your onboarding phase
• A family-friendly environment with flexible working hours (flexitime) and the possibility of pro-rata mobile work
• Benefits from the university's health promotion program
• An extensive and free further education program, as well as programs geared toward the promotion of early career researchers (https://uol.de/medizin/nachwuchs)

The University of Oldenburg aims to increase the proportion of women in the academic field. Therefore, women are strongly encouraged to apply. According to § 21 para. 3 NHG, female applicants should be given preferential consideration if their qualifications are equivalent.

Applicants with disabilities are given preference in the event of equal suitability.

For further information, please contact Amilcar Perez Riverol, Tel. 0441 403 70158, .

Please submit your application, preferably in electronic form (a PDF file including a Cover Letter, CV, and relevant certificates) by 03.05.2024 to Prof. Dr. med. Marc-Phillip Hitz () and Dr. Amilcar Perez Riverol () , Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Institute of Medical Genetics, Rahel-Straus-Straße 10, D-26133 Oldenburg.

You don't know Oldenburg yet? The following link will provide you with first impressions: https://www.moin-in-oldenburg.de.