Image and Genome Structure Data Scientist

The Ellenberg Group located at EMBL Heidelberg is seeking to recruit a highly motivated outstanding Postdoctoral Fellow / Research Scientist to join the lab. The overall research aim of the Ellenberg Group is to systematically elucidate the mechanisms underlying cell division and nuclear organisation in mitosis and interphase. Research work combines the development and application of advanced quantitative live-cell and super-resolution microscopy technologies, data analysis and mechanistic modelling to drive hypothesis-driven projects.

Your role

The successful applicant will work with a highly collaborative team to advance our understanding of mitotic chromosome formation within the framework of the ERC Advanced grant MITOFOLD that was recently awarded to Jan Ellenberg. S/he will apply and further develop advanced image analysis routines based on our novel nanoscale chromatin tracing workflow (Beckwith et al., 2023 (doi.org/10.1101/2021.04.12.439407); Beckwith and Brunner et al., 2024 (doi.org/10.1101/2024.10.28.620625)). The successful applicant will analyse and interpret chromatin tracing data and advance hypothesis-driven projects using mechanistic polymer modelling. The successful candidate should be able to work creatively and independently, be well organised, rigorous, and enjoy working in an international team within a highly collaborative atmosphere. The successful applicant will work at EMBL Heidelberg and has the opportunity for a longer research stay at SciLifeLab in Stockholm where Jan Ellenberg is building a second research lab as the new Director.

You have

• A PhD in natural sciences.
• Several years of research experience with a strong background in image analysis (pixel-& coordinate-based) and development of computational analysis pipelines and their deployment in an HPC infrastructure
• A competitive CV, also suitable to apply for fellowships if need be.
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English.

You might also have

• Experience in polymer modelling
• Experience in genomics and genome structure data analysis
• Background in molecular cell biology, especially chromatin biology
• Background in advanced light microscopy

Why join us

EMBL is curiosity-driven, community-oriented and international. As an inclusive, equal opportunity employer, we believe that diversity enables us to collaborate more effectively and be innovative in our approaches. We are, therefore, committed to creating an inclusive and flexible culture - one where everyone can realise their full potential and make a positive contribution to our organisation. 

We encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing team – we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and personal experiences reflect the diversity of the populations that our science serves. We actively encourage applications from all genders and cultures, ethnic groups and all demographics to help us avoid perpetuating biases and oversights at this transformational point in our people strategy.

Enjoy lots of benefits:

• Financial incentives: Salary free of income tax, Monthly family, child and non-resident allowances, annual salary review, pension scheme, death benefit, long-term care, accident-at-work and unemployment insurances

• Flexible working arrangements

• Private medical insurance for you and your immediate family (including all prescriptions and generous dental & optical cover)

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

• Relocation package including installation grant (if applicable)

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

• Family benefits: Kindergarten (Heidelberg), 10 days of child sick leave, generous paid maternity/parental leave and monthly family & child allowances

• Benefits for international newcomers: Visa exemption, education grant for private schooling, financial support to travel back to your home country every second year and a monthly non-resident allowance.

• For detailed information please visit our employee benefits page here

What else you need to know

• International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions. Visit our International Applicants page, to find out more.

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

• Diversity and inclusion: At EMBL, we strongly believe that inclusive and diverse teams benefit from higher levels of innovation and creative thought. We encourage applications from women, LGBTQ+ & individuals from all nationalities. 

• How to apply: To apply please submit a cover letter and a CV through our online system. We aim to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date.

Closing Date