Doctoral Researcher in Bioinformatics (m/f/d)

The research group of Prof. Dr. Manja Marz at the Institute of Computer Sciences seeks a doctoral researcher (m/f/d) in bioinformatics and tool development. The research of the “RNA Bioinformatics & High-Throughput Analysis” group includes RNA bioinformatics, virus detection and evolution, non-coding RNAs in aging, and RNA structure prediction and annotation. The group is situated at Friedrich Schiller University Jena, a dynamic and innovation-driven university with a broad range of disciplines, and in the young and lively town Jena – the City of Science.

In this doctoral project “Secondary structures of RNA virus genomes”, you will develop and iteratively refine neural network (NN) architectures capable of predicting and optimizing synthetic antiviral small RNAs (sRNAs).

Your responsibilities:

• Research in bioinformatics and development of a neural network-driven, user-friendly platform that predicts and iteratively optimises antiviral sRNAs from sequence and minimal experimental input
• Participation in the Collaborative Research Centre VirusREvolution and close collaboration with the tandem project partner
• Engage in regular discussions with other group and project members
• Collaborate with BSc and MSc students working in associated projects
• Publish papers and present your work at national and international scientific meetings

Your profile:

• A highly motivated candidate with a Master of Science or equivalent degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, or a related discipline
• Solid programming ability and experience with machine learning or deep learning are required
• Knowledge in bioinformatics methods, virus genomics, or other high-throughput biological data analysis is desirable
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team
• Excellent skills in English are required, both written and spoken

We offer:

• Embedding in a cross-disciplinary, young research group and a large, ambitious research consortium with the joint goal to develop novel tools for virus discovery, characterisation, regulation, interaction, and visualisation
• Affiliation to an Integrated Research Training Group, offering close support and a comprehensive education program for hard skills and transferable skills, supported by the Jena Graduate Academy
• A family-friendly working environment with a variety of offers for families
• University health promotion and a wide range of university sports activities

• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at salary scale E13 – depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications –, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement

The position is expected to commence in September or October 2026. It is a 65% funded position (26 hours per week) for an initial period of three years.

Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

Are you eager to work for us? Then submit your detailed written application, by email as one PDF file, stating “PhD Bioinformatics” in the subject line, to:

Prof. Dr. Manja Marz
RNA Bioinformatics & High-Throughput Analysis
Friedrich Schiller University Jena
Inselplatz 5
07743 Jena, Germany

E-Mail: rna@uni-jena.de