The Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine is the largest Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Germany and is the National Reference Centre for Tropical Pathogens, a WHO Collaborating Centre, and a member of the Leibniz Research Association.

The Computational Infection Biology Department, led by Thomas Otto, is seeking a highly motivated

Postdoctoral Researcher in Pathogen Evolution (m/f/d)

– full-time or part-time, EG 13 TV-AVH –

Our group develops and applies computational tools to investigate host–pathogen interactions and their evolution, with the goal of identifying novel intervention strategies. We work with a variety of datasets to study pathogen genomes, evolutionary dynamics, and the development of large gene families in protozoan parasites.

Core tasks of this position will include:

• Study genetic variation and mutation rates in pathogens
• Model gene family evolution in malaria and related organisms
• Assemble and annotate genomes of novel pathogens
• Analyse transcriptomic datasets (bulk and single-cell)
• Provide bioinformatics support to other BNITM groups
• Contribute to teaching and training activities within the Otto group
• Supervise bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD students
• Contribute to project development and independent research initiatives

Your profile:

• PhD in parasitology, bioinformatics, evolutionary biology, or a related field
• Proven experience in pathogen evolution or comparative genomics
• Strong programming skills (Python and/or R)
• Experience with NGS data analysis (genomics and transcriptomics)
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment
• A publication record in relevant fields is an asset
• Experience in teaching is a plus
• Experience in supporting wetlab scientists (core bioinformatics) is a plus
• Proficiency in English (oral and written)
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to plan and execute experiments independently and flexibly
• Strong team spirit and communication skills
• Creative mindset and strong problem-solving capabilities
• Proficiency in commonly used software is expected (e.g. Office, Adobe is a plus)

What we offer:

• An interesting and challenging job in a creative, supportive and highly motivated team
• An attractive, interdisciplinary research environment with state-of-the-art facilities
• Opportunities to realise independent research projects
• 30 days of vacation per year
• Flexible and family-friendly working hours
• Childcare subsidy
• Subsidy for HVV-ProfiTicket as “Deutschlandticket” (Basic)
• Company pension scheme
• Opportunities for further education and training

Remuneration is paid in accordance with TV-AVH (collective agreement of the Hamburg Labour Law Association) in pay group EG 13. The position should start in October 2025 and is initially limited to 3 years.

We support our employees in achieving a work-life balance and promote the professional equality of women, men and non-binary people. We strive to assist women in their scientific career, increase the number of women in research and reduce under-representation in all areas and positions in general. We explicitly welcome applications from people with disabilities.

Contact:

As a member of the Diversity Charter, the largest diversity management network in Germany, we are also committed to making diversity an integral part of our institute culture. It is our goal to create a working environment that is free of prejudice.

Please apply by 08.09.2025 preferably online with the required documents (cover letter, CV, university certificates and a recent research paper/article as well as contact details of 2 references) via our online form.

Alternatively, you may apply by postal mail referring to " Postdoctoral Researcher in Pathogen Evolution - Otto " to: Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, HR Department, Bernhard-Nocht-Str. 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany.

If you have any questions regarding the formal application process or the selection procedure, please contact Ms. Jeannette Meurer from the HR Department ( [email protected]).

For all other questions please contact Prof. Thomas Otto - [email protected]).