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For department IV and V of IGB in Berlin-Friedrichshagen at Lake Müggelsee we are inviting applications for the position of a Genomicist/bioinformatician for microalgae genomics as of 01.05.2023.

The work is carried out as part of a multidisciplinary project investigating the environmental catastrophe in the Oder River of August 2022 (ODER-SO) which is funded by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN). The ODER-SO project monitors and analyses algal and pollutant loads, documents the status and recovery of populations of multiple organism groups, carries out precautionary studies on potential future poisoning events, and investigates the ecological role of floodplains in multiple development scenarios. The overall aim of ODER-SO is to provide a broad knowledge base for the integrative management of coupled river-floodplain ecosystems, enabling more precise analyses and forecasts of river status that can form the basis for preventive measures against the harmful effects of algal blooms.

Your tasks

  • Cell isolation or harvesting of microalgae from cultures
  • Extraction of high molecular weight (HMW) DNA for long read sequencing and of RNA
  • Sampling for HiC-3D genomics
  • Interaction with international genomics service providers
  • Assembly and annotation of a reference genome of the alga Prymnesium using HIFI Long-Read and HiC data
  • making the reference genomes available using a genome browser
  • comparative genomics of different species and forms, including polyploid and hybrid taxa of microalgae
  • expression analyses of transcriptome data from the growth and toxin production experiments of other research groups
  • Writing publications in close cooperation with the project leaders
  • Development of genome-based monitoring of microalgae
  • In close cooperation with the project leaders and other working groups, methods for this monitoring will be tested in practice and adapted if necessary.
  • Development of a practical tool ("DNA chip" or similar) for genomic identification of microalgae occurrences detected by qPCR.
  • If necessary, support of other subprojects, e.g. by sampling during experiments as required
  • Contributions to overall scientific activities, publications and communication activities of the project

Your profile

  • Completed university studies (master's degree, diploma (university)) in biotechnology, bioinformatics or a comparable field, a PhD is desirable.
  • Extensive experience in whole genome sequencing, assembly, annotation and phylogenomics
  • Proven knowledge of assembling whole phased/haplotype resolved genome sequences
  • Experience in handling 3rd-generation sequencing data (HIFI / ONT)
  • Laboratory experience and use of Oxford Nanopore Sequencing (MinIon)
  • Experience with the development of bioinformatics pipelines
  • Experience with Installation and administration of the UCSC Genome Browser System
  • Good knowledge of English; German is an advantage
  • Proven working experience and publishing record for the majority of the above tasks in eukaryotes
  • ability to work in a team, good communication skills
  • ability to instruct technicians

Our offer

We offer an interesting position in an international and dynamic scientific environment.

This is a part-time position limited to 36 months as part of the BfN project ODER-SO in the period from 1 May 2023 to 30 April 2026. Salary is paid according to the German salary scheme for the public sector (TVöD Bund). It is a part-time position with 29,25 working hours per week. As the situation stands today, further employment is not possible.

The IGB is committed to diversity. We welcome every application, regardless of gender and gender identity, origin, nationality, religion, belief, health and physical disabilities, age or sexual orientation.

We foster your career development by providing qualification and training opportunities. We actively support the reconciliation of work and family life. Applicants are treated equally regardless of gender. Qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualification and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.

Are you interested?

We look forward to receiving your application with the usual documents (cover letter, CV, references) by 03.03.2023. Please state the job reference number 14/2023 and apply exclusively via our recruitment platform at www.igb-berlin.de/en/jobs.

Questions can be directed to PD Dr. Matthias Stöck (matthias.stoeck@igb-berlin.de) or Prof. Dr. Michael T. Monaghan (michael.monaghan@igb-berlin.de).

"Research for the future of our freshwaters" is the mission of IGB – Germany’s largest and one of the leading international centres for freshwater research. In order to investigate different aspects of freshwater ecosystems, their biota and societal relevance, we unit a wide range of disciplines and understand research as a joint effort. We train undergraduate and graduate students, promote young researchers at early career stages, and support the professional development of our employees in all areas. We foster an atmosphere that promotes diversity as well as family-friendly conditions. With more than 350 employees and guests from all over the world, we conduct research at five locations in Berlin and at Lake Stechlin (Brandenburg). IGB is a member of the German Leibniz Association and the Forschungsverbund Berlin e. V. www.igb-berlin.de