Head of Bioinformatics Facility (m/f/d) Full-time

Head Of Bioinformatics Facility (M/F/D)

The Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics (MPI-IE) in Freiburg invites applications for the position of Head of Bioinformatics.

The position is to be filled as soon as possible and is unlimited.

The Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics (MPI-IE) in Freiburg, Germany, is an interdisciplinary research institution that conducts basic research in two key areas of modern biology: Immunobiology and Epigenetics. Central questions address the molecular basis of cell type identities, as they are regulated during immune cell differentiation, metabolic response, and epigenetic chromatin adaptation.

Your Tasks

We are seeking an experienced and creative scientist with a strong background in bioinformatics, computational biology, or computer science, and with demonstrated expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) — particularly in large language models (LLMs), deep learning, and multimodal data integration. The ideal candidate will be able to design and apply AI/ML approaches to high-dimensional datasets, including single-cell omics, chromatin profiling, and advanced imaging.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop and lead their own independent research project and build a small research team by hiring PhD students and Postdocs. In parallel, they will oversee the development and implementation of computational strategies to support and enhance research activities across the institute.

Your Responsibilities

• Lead and further develop the Bioinformatics Facility in collaboration with research groups at the institute.
• Implement AI-driven approaches, including the use of LLMs and generative models, to analyze and integrate genomic, transcriptomic, and imaging data.
• Develop and maintain pipelines and computational infrastructure for large-scale biological data analysis.
• Supervise and mentor a team of bioinformaticians and data scientists.
• Contribute to strategic initiatives in AI-based data analysis, training, and computational innovation.

Your Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent experience) in bioinformatics, computational biology, computer science, or related fields.
• Proven expertise in machine learning, LLMs, or deep learning architectures and their application to biological or biomedical data.
• Experience in managing computational resources and supporting diverse research teams.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across experimental and computational disciplines.

We Offer

Located in a region that connects Germany, France, and Switzerland, our institute offers an international research environment with outstanding infrastructure facilities and a positive working atmosphere that places a high value on work-life balance.

• Payment according to TVöD up to a maximum of E14 if the collectively agreed and personal requirements are fulfilled
• A stimulating, international, and interdisciplinary research environment within the Max Planck Society
• Full institutional support to establish an independent research program
• Access to high-performance computing infrastructure and world-class experimental collaborations
• Social benefits in line with public service (VBL)
• Additional performance-related remuneration component
• Professional training and development opportunities
• Good public transport connections and a subsidy for a job ticket
• Challenging work in a modern working environment
• Mobile working at a location of your choice within Germany is possible up to a maximum of 40% of the regular weekly working hours in justified cases.
• Catering provided by the institute's own cafeteria on site and shopping facilities within walking distance
• Dual-Career-Support and Welcome-Service
• Family-friendly offers (affiliated day care center at the institute, parent-child room, breastfeeding room)

We value and promote diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities, so we welcome applications from all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from severely disabled people. We would also like to increase the proportion of women in areas where they are underrepresented and therefore expressly encourage women to apply.

Application Deadline

Have we sparked your interest? Please apply with your complete application documents (cover letter, CV, contact information for references) via our online application portal.