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International PhD Programme (IPP) Mainz, Institute of Molecular Biology

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PhD Position: Causal multi-omics modeling of disease biology (m/f/d) Institute of Molecular Biology, International PhD Programme (IPP) Mainz in Germany

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Computer Science

Funding

Available

Deadline

Oct 15, 2026

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Country

Germany

University

International PhD Programme (IPP) Mainz, Institute of Molecular Biology

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Keywords

Computer Science
Biomedical Engineering
Biology
Mathematics
Systems Biology
Causal Inference
Hierarchical Modeling
Omics
Graphical Models
Genomic
Statistics
Metabolomic
Physics
Transcriptomic
ML

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About this position

The International PhD Programme (IPP) Mainz at the Institute of Molecular Biology in Mainz, Germany is offering a fully funded PhD position on Causal multi-omics modeling of disease biology. The project is hosted by the research group of Vincent ten Cate within the Computational Systems Medicine team and is embedded in the BMFTR-funded DIASyM project.

This PhD focuses on developing new statistical and computational methods for causal inference in complex disease biology. The research aims to integrate genetic association data (GWAS), molecular QTLs (eQTLs and pQTLs), tissue-specific transcriptomics, proteomics, and—where available—lipidomics and metabolomics. A major emphasis is on identifying disease-relevant proteins and pathways, with a clear application to cardiovascular disease.

The project moves beyond standard multi-omics integration approaches by building structure-aware, causally interpretable models. Possible methodological directions include probabilistic graphical models, Mendelian randomization, Bayesian hierarchical models, Gaussian graphical models, network-based regularization, and scalable inference methods for genome-wide applications. The project also welcomes original ideas from the successful candidate.

Applicants should have a Master’s degree or equivalent in statistics, mathematics, data science, bioinformatics, physics, engineering, or a closely related quantitative field. A solid background in statistics, an interest in machine learning, and experience with R and/or Python are important. Good English skills and two letters of reference are required.

The position is full-time and fully funded until completion of the thesis. The application deadline is 15 October 2026, and interviews are scheduled for 18–19 January 2027 at IMB in Mainz. The expected start date is between 1 February and 31 July 2027.

To apply, use the IPP Mainz online application system and indicate Vincent ten Cate as your group preference. The position is a strong fit for candidates interested in statistical genetics, systems biology, machine learning, and causal modeling of multi-omics data in human disease.

Funding details

Available

What's required

Master’s degree or equivalent in statistics, mathematics, data science, bioinformatics, physics, engineering, or a related quantitative field; good command of English; interactive personality; 2 letters of reference; knowledge of statistics; interest in machine learning; experience with R and/or Python is desired.

How to apply

Apply through the IPP Mainz online application platform using the apply button. Select Vincent ten Cate as your group preference in the application portal. Submit the required documents before 15 October 2026.

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