PhD Candidate (f/m/x) in Spatial Proteomics and Bioinformatics for type 1 diabetes Full-time NEW

PhD Candidate in Spatial Proteomics and Bioinformatics for Type 1 Diabetes

At Helmholtz Munich, we develop groundbreaking solutions for a healthier society in a rapidly changing world. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. Through strong partnerships, we accelerate the transfer of new ideas from the lab to real-life applications, improving lives.

The research focus of the Institute of Diabetes Research lays on understanding the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes, on identifying mechanisms and predictive markers of the disease, and the translation of findings into clinical trials to prevent type 1 diabetes in humans. The institute is particularly interested in deciphering the molecular mechanisms of islet autoimmunity, and the interaction of environment, genes, and the immune response. The ultimate goal is to develop therapies for the prevention and cure of islet autoimmunity and diabetes.

The laboratory of Dr. Teresa Rodriguez-Calvo within IDF at Helmholtz Munich, is seeking a PhD candidate to join a collaborative group studying type 1 diabetes. We are looking for a highly motivated individual to investigate the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes in humans. You will have the opportunity to analyze pancreas and duodenum samples from individuals with and without diabetes provided by the Network for Pancreatic Organ Donors with Diabetes (nPOD). You will analyze immunofluorescence microscopy images, perform spatial phenotyping and implement new tools based on machine learning algorithms. This is a hands-on opportunity to apply state-of-the-art analytical methods to patient samples within the largest and most advanced scientific organization in Germany.

Your Tasks

• Use image analysis tools to extract data from patient tissue samples.
• Work on the development and application of methods in the field of spatial proteomics (e.g., measurement parameters, workflows).
• Optimize analysis pipelines by implementing new analytical tools based on spatial phenotyping.
• Analyze and integrate complex datasets using statistical and bioinformatics methods (e.g., Python, R).
• Interpret results in the context of type 1 diabetes pathology and use them to develop new scientific questions.
• Organize/ summarize the acquired data and present it to the rest of the team, to collaborators and the scientific community.

The selected candidate will receive general instructions on routine work and detailed instructions on new assignments. Training will be provided.

Your Profile

• Master's degree in bioinformatics/ computational biology or in a related field.
• Good programming skills, preferably R/ Java/ Python.
• Basic knowledge of descriptive statistics, spatial analysis methods and machine learning.
• Good written and spoken English communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and with others within an outstanding scientific environment.

Desirable qualifications:

• Basic knowledge of Image Analysis software (QuPath, ImageJ/ Fiji, Cellpose, etc.).
• Knowledge or experience in histology and microscopy, and related techniques, including immunofluorescence.

This position provides the opportunity for you to build specialist knowledge whilst developing key professional experience, both of which will help you to make strides in your scientific career.

Remuneration and social security benefits are based on the German Collective Wage Agreement for Public-Sector Employees at Federal Level (EG 13 50% TV EntgO Bund ). In addition, there is also the possibility of receiving an allowance if the applicable conditions are met. The position has an (initial) fixed term of three years but may be extended under certain circumstances.

Teresa Rodriguez-Calvo Group leader

“Our work is focused on defining and characterizing the hallmarks of type 1 diabetes. We closely collaborate with the Network for Pancreatic Organ Donors with Diabetes (nPOD) to study the human pancreas from deceased donors at different stages of their disease. This has allowed us to discover novel pathological aspects, which have opened new lines of investigation that will shape our understanding of the natural history of type 1 diabetes”.

Benefits

• Scientific Training: Helmholtz Munich Graduate School
• Career counseling: Career Center for PhD candidates
• Scientific Resources: State-of-the-art infrastructure and Core Facilities
• Health Promotion: Sports, company doctor, mental health initiatives
• International Staff Service: Support with the relocation and integration process in Germany

Interested in Applying?

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Teresa Rodriguez Calvo, +49 89 3187-1578, who will be happy to help. Our recruiting is decentralized – your application will be reviewed directly by the specialist department in which you could work in the future. More information about our application process Please send your application only via our online application tool and with the following documents:

• CV
• Cover letter

If you have obtained a university degree abroad, we will require further documents from you regarding the comparability of your degree by the time you start work at the latest. Please request the Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications as early as possible.

We are committed to promoting a culture of diversity and welcome applications from talented people regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical abilities, religion or age. Qualified applicants with physical disabilities will be given preference.

Learn more about diversity at Helmholtz Munich

Our Commitment

Helmholtz Munich Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH) Institute of Diabetes Research Type 1 Heidemannstr. 1 80939 Munich