Current Vacancies

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to develop novel concepts and computational approaches in mathematical statistics, machine learning, data science and explainable AI and apply them in the broad areas of single-cell (multi)-omics, spatial omics, imaging-based phenotyping and high-throughput perturbation assays.

The research group of Wolfgang Huber at EMBL develops statistics and AI methods for modern biotechnologies, applies them to biological and biomedical discovery, and translates them into reusable, interoperable tools by engaging in open source software communities. The interdisciplinary and international team has deep collaborations with research groups active in cancer, developmental biology and pharmaceutical research, which include large-scale analyses of clinical tissue cohorts using spatial transcriptomics and spatial proteomics, digital pathology, and large-scale CRISPR screening.

Your research will benefit from primary access to data from the ERC Synergy project DECODE, which uses a high-throughput reverse genetics approach to induce stem cell specific CRISPR-Cas9 gene knockouts in adult model organisms followed by single-cell RNA-seq (Perturb-Seq) and imaging-based phenotyping. Single-cell data from dozens of perturbations on whole organs exist, and scale-up to hundreds to thousands of perturbations and whole animal scale is on-going. DECODE is a collaboration between the cancer and developmental genetics labs of Michael Boutros (DKFZ) and Jan Lohmann (University of Heidelberg) and the computational groups of Wolfgang Huber (EMBL) and Oliver Stegle (DKFZ & EMBL).

Your role 

As part of the computational research team based at EMBL, you will contribute your analytical skills to biological discovery studies in the DECODE consortium and shape your own research profile as a methods scientist. Your possible research areas may include:

• Integrative data analysis for biological discovery from

  • Single-cell RNA-seq at ultra-large scale

  • High-throughput CRISPR-KO perturbation studies

  • Imaging-based phenotyping

• Multimodal factor analysis and manifold learning

• Modeling cell states and transitions; inferring cell type- and state-dependent gene regulatory networks

• Quantitative study of multicellular spatial or anatomical structures from spatial omics data

• Using deep learning for controlled inclusion of prior knowledge on biological networks, cellular differentiation, tissue biology and anatomy

• Virtual cells and ‘omics foundation models

• Foundations of data science incl. quality assurance, visualization and model diagnostics methods

During the course of the project, you will  have the opportunity to raise your own research profile, contribute to future research project proposals, or develop your own fellowship.

You have 

• A PhD or equivalent qualification in a quantitative discipline (theoretical physics, statistics, computer science, mathematics). We are looking for a range of talents, which should include some of the following: strong foundations in probability theory, mathematical statistics, linear algebra and/or differential geometry; machine learning and neural networks; biological data science and data-driven discovery; scientific programming. Applications from “newcomers” who are curious about scientific discovery and measurement technologies in modern biology are welcome.
   

You may also have

• You are excited by making or contributing to biological discoveries, you are interested in interdisciplinary science, enjoy collaborative work and like to communicate concepts and results to other scientists in different fields of research.
   

Contract length:

until 30.06.2027

Why join us

EMBL is Europe’s life sciences laboratory – an intergovernmental organisation with more than 110 independent research groups and service teams covering the spectrum of molecular biology. It operates across six sites in Heidelberg (headquarters), Barcelona, Cambridge, Grenoble, Hamburg and Rome. Our mission is to perform basic research in molecular biology; train scientists, students and visitors at all levels; offer vital services to scientists in the public and private sectors within the member states; develop new instruments and methods; and engage actively in technology transfer.

EMBL offers attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organisation with a collaborative and family-friendly working environment. Competitive salary and social security benefits, financial support for relocation, a relaxed culture, professional development, an on-site nursery, canteen and other staff facilities make EMBL a great place to work.

EMBL is curiosity-driven, community-oriented and international. As an inclusive, equal opportunity employer, we know that diversity enables us to collaborate more effectively and be innovative in our approaches. 

EMBL is a signatory of DORA. Find out how we implement best practices in research assessment in our recruitment processes here.

Professional development support

The EMBL Fellows’ Career Service provides support and guidance to predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows across all six EMBL’s sites.

Working with a dedicated Careers Advisor, this invaluable service will help you to take informed decisions about your career planning both in the short and longer term. Whether your main interest is pursuing a career path in academia, exploring opportunities in industry or exploring an independent venture, the EMBL Fellows’ Career Service with provide you with a portfolio of activities and resources to help you.

To find out more please visit - EMBL-fellows-career-service

Why join us

Join a culture of innovation 
We are located on the Wellcome Genome Campus, alongside other prominent research and biotech organisations, and surrounded by beautiful Cambridgeshire countryside. This is a highly collaborative and inclusive community where our employees enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. We are committed to ensuring our employees feel valued, supported and empowered to reach their professional potential. 

Enjoy lots of employee benefits:

• Financial incentives: Monthly family and child allowances, generous stipend reviewed yearly, pension scheme, death benefit and unemployment insurances

• Flexible working arrangements including hybrid working patterns 

• Private medical insurance for you and your immediate family 

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

• Campus life: Free shuttle bus to and from work (Heidelberg), 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, paid maternity & parental leave, holiday clubs on campus and monthly family and child allowances
   

What else you need to know

• International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions. Read more on our page for international applicants. 

• 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. 

• Job location: All our fellowships are based on-site (for at least part of each week). If you are living overseas, you will receive a generous relocation package to support you. 

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

• How to apply: To apply please submit a cover letter and a CV through our online system. Applications will close at 23:59 CET on the date shown below. We aim to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date.

Closing Date