Research Assistant Biology, Bioinformatics (f/m/d)
The Institute for Forest Genetics at the Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute, the Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry, and Fisheries, located in Großhansdorf, is seeking, to start as soon as possible, a Research Assistant in the field of biology and bioinformatics (f/m/d) on a fixed-term contract through February 29, 2028, to work full-time (currently 39 hours/week) on the “PanBeech” project.
In this project we want to elucidate the role of structural genetic variation in adaptive differentiation of European beech (Fagus sylvatica) and study the effects of genotype-environment interactions in two parallel common gardens in France and Germany. We already generated a graph-based beech pangenome using genetically diverse individuals originating from different geographic regions from across the distribution range. We now want to integrate extensive short-read DNA- und RNA-Seq data, phenotypes and environmental variables. This will provide exciting insights into the genetic basis of adaptive differentiation and may allow predictions of potential future maladaptation.
The employment relationship is governed by the TVöD Bund collective agreement and, provided the collective agreement and personal requirements are met, is remunerated according to pay grade 13 of the TVöD Bund - which corresponds to an annual salary of 62.489,15 € bis 89.579,84 for full-time employment.
Your tasksYour tasks
- Analysis and assembly of long-read sequencing data, specifically PacBio HiFi
- Generation of pangenome graphs
- Integration of large Illumina resequencing datasets with the pangenome graph
- (Pan-)genome-wide association studies (GWAS)
- Analyses of RNA-Seq data and integration with the pangenome graph
- Data visualization and interpretation
- Publication and presentation of results
- Further development of ideas and active advancement of the project
Your profileYour profile
- University degree (M.Sc./Univ.-Dipl.) in biology, forestry, bioinformatics or related disciplines
- Substantial practical experience in bioinformatic analyses of different genomic data
- PhD degree
- excellent English language skills
- extensive experience in using high-performance computer clusters
- excellent data analysis skills, especially in Linux environments
- preferentially experience in genome assembly and pangenomic analyses
- preferentially experience in transcriptomic analyses
- Interest and competence to work in a team
- Enthusiasm for science
- high motivation to contribute to pushing forward the boundaries of current knowledge
Our offerOur offer
- Responsibility and a sense of purpose: responsible work in a dedicated team, involvement in a dynamic, interdisciplinary research institute and proximity to current policy and practice-relevant topics
- Flexibility and work-life balance: flexible working time models, fundamental possibility of part-time employment as well as mobile working and teleworking, certified employer berufundfamilie audit with a wide range of offers for reconciling work and life phases
- Prospects: further training opportunities for the area of responsibility and individual development
- Benefits: employment based on collective agreements with attractive social benefits (e.g. company pension scheme, one-off annual payment, capital-forming benefits)
- Health: company health management and preventative healthcare programmes
- Mobility: JobTicket, public transport connections, free parking spaces
The Thünen Institute promotes professional equality between women and men and therefore expressly welcomes applications from women.
We live a diverse and cosmopolitan coexistence. The Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute is committed to inclusion. Applications from people with severe disabilities are therefore expressly encouraged. They will be given preferential consideration in the selection process. Please enclose proof of severe disability or equal status with your application.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Dr. Niels Müller (niels.mueller@thuenen.de).
If you have an international degree, please also enclose a certificate evaluation from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) with your application. If you do not yet have a certificate evaluation, you must apply for one if your application is successful. You can find further information at https://zab.kmk.org/de/zeugnisbewertung
We look forward to receiving your application by September 3, 2026.
