Postdoctoral position in Computational Biology (f/m/x) - Köln

Postdoctoral position in Computational Biology (f/m/x)

Collaborative Research Center Predictability in Evolution and Institute for Biological Physics

We are one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe and one of the most important employers in our region. Our broad range of subjects, the dynamic development of our main research areas and our central location in Cologne make us attractive for students and researchers from around the world. We offer a wide range of career opportunities in science, technology, and administration.

The Collaborative Research Center Predictability in Evolution is a leading consortium in experimental and theoretical studies of systems in microbial, viral, cancer, and immune systems, which have a wide range of biomedical applications. At the University of Cologne and its partner institutions, the DFG-funded center unites a strong an interdisciplinary spectrum of competence in molecular genetics, biophysics, medicine and theoretical modelling. All membersbenefit fully from the center‘s joint research and training facilities. We are looking for an excellent computational biologist to play an integral part in the research work at our center.

YOUR TASKS

• Analysis of high-throughput molecular data

• Algorithm design and optimization for dedicated evolutionary problems

• Developing independent strategies for data evaluation and scientific problem solving

• Close cooperation with other scientists at our Center from the planning of experiments to the interpretation of the results

• Developing custom computational tools to adress current public health topics, including the analysis of large-scale biological datasets

YOUR PROFILE

• Doctoral degree in a relevant field

• Advanced skills in data manipulation, analysis, and development of in-house code

• Proven advanced expertise in at least one of the following:

1. Algorithm design

2. Analysis of high-throughput molecular data, e.g. single cell RNA-seq data

3. Machine learning and language models for biological data

• Interest in the scientific focus of the Center

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English

WE OFFER

• An exciting, interactive and multi-faceted research environment

• A chance to acquire top-notch skills in computational science and problem solving

• A diverse working environment with equal opportunities

• Support in balancing work and family life

• Extensive advanced training opportunities

• Occupational health management offers

• Flexible working time models

• Opportunity to work remotely

The University of Cologne promotes equal opportunities and diversity. Women will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also expressly welcome applications from all suitable candidates regardless of their gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

The position is available from 1 June 2026 on a full-time basis (39,83 hours per week) with an initial contract period of two years with the possibility of extension. If the applicant meets the relevant wage requirements and has the appropriate personal qualifications, the salary is based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector.

Please apply online with proof of the required qualifications without a photo under: https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de. The reference number is Wiss2603-02. The application deadline is 1 April 2026.

For further inquiries, please contact Stephan Kleinbölting (skleinbo@uni-koeln.de) and take a look at our FAQs.