Postdoctoral Position, Genome/Proteome Bioinformatics, Fungal Microbiome Full-time NEW

We’re seeking a talented postdoctoral scientist to investigate how fungal commensals shape the immune system and influence inflammatory diseases. As part of the ImmunoPreCept Cluster of Excellence at Charité Berlin, you’ll develop cutting-edge metagenomic and metaproteomic approaches using unique resources, such as an exceptional collection of 1,800 Candida albicans strains, and explore one of Europe’s largest patient cohorts targeting inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Embedded in a large and multidisciplinary team, with main expertise in microbes and large-scale proteomics, your computational analyses and methods will directly connect mycobiome ecology with patient outcomes- ideal if you’re passionate about multi-omics data integration and collaborative, interdisciplinary research.

Project Description

In this project, we focus on fungal cells present in microbiomes in general, and their yeast commensals in particular. Using metagenomics and metaproteomics, we aim to discover how fungal commensals, such as the WHO priority pathogen Candida albicans, train the immune system and influence outcomes in inflammatory disease. The project has a focus on inflammatory bowel disease, but centers around the microbiological aspects.

Research Environment: The Ralser Lab

The Ralser Lab at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin investigates how cells control their metabolism on a large scale. With a focus on yeast, we use functional genomics and develop advanced mass spectrometry to study how genes and metabolic pathways interact. Our goal is to uncover basic principles of metabolism that are relevant for cancer, immunology, metabolic diseases, and clinical diagnostics.

As part of the ImmunoPreCept Cluster of Excellence, we combine proteomics, genomics, and computational methods, and work with rich resources including prospective patient cohorts.

Your Tasks

You will develop and apply cutting-edge computational approaches to:

• Map the human mycobiome by reanalyzing metagenomic datasets and processing clinical samples to identify yeast species and strain diversity
• Integrate multi-omics data (myco- and microbiome composition, metaproteomics, genomics, immune phenotypes) and support improved metaproteomic data analysis strategies
• Build predictors for identifying key fungal and host features determining resilience versus susceptibility to inflammation
• Establish standardized bioinformatics pipelines for fungal extraction, metaproteomics, and strain characterization while collaborating with wet-lab researchers, immunologists, and clinicians

Your Profile

• PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology, systems biology, or a related field
• Experience in genome data analysis (metagenomic/amplicon sequencing) and genome analysis (assembly, annotation, comparative genomics) OR experience in computational proteomics
• Strong programming skills in Python and R, proficient in complex bioinformatics workflows
• Strong communication skills, ability to work in interdisciplinary teams, and proven publication track record
• Ability to work independently while collaborating across research groups

What We Offer

• Being integrated into a large interdisciplinary team, with a focus on proteomics, proteome data analysis, and microbiome research
• Direct translational research opportunity with access to patient cohorts, extensive datasets of yeast and human proteome studies, and cutting-edge proteomics and single-cell platforms
• Interdisciplinary collaboration within the ImmunoPreCept Cluster of Excellence at Charité, one of Europe’s largest research-intensive medical universities
• Access to high throughput technology, comprehensive training, and professional development opportunities
• High personal responsibility and scope for independent research

Contact And How to Apply

Please submit your application documents, including your CV, a cover letter, relevant transcripts, and contact information for references.

For any inquiries, please visit our web page https://ralser.group/, or contact Prof. Dr. Markus Ralser (markus.ralser@charite.de) or Dr. Alexandra Marr (alexandra-katharina.marr@charite.de)

Tagged as: Data Science, Life Sciences