Postdoctoral Position in Computational Biology at Institute for Biological Physics & CRC 1310, University of Cologne University of Cologne in Germany

The University of Cologne, one of Europe's largest and oldest universities, invites applications for a postdoctoral position in Computational Biology within the Institute for Biological Physics and the Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1310 'Predictability in Evolution.' This DFG-funded center is a leading consortium in experimental and theoretical studies of microbial, viral, cancer, and immune systems, with broad biomedical applications. The CRC unites interdisciplinary expertise in molecular genetics, biophysics, medicine, and theoretical modelling, offering joint research and training facilities to all members.

The successful candidate will play an integral role in the center's research, focusing on the analysis of high-throughput molecular data, algorithm design and optimization for evolutionary problems, and the development of independent strategies for data evaluation and scientific problem solving. Responsibilities include close collaboration with other scientists from experiment planning to result interpretation, and the creation of custom computational tools addressing current public health topics, including large-scale biological dataset analysis.

Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in a relevant field such as computational biology, bioinformatics, molecular biology, genetics, or biophysics. Advanced skills in data manipulation, analysis, and development of in-house code are required. Proven expertise in at least one of the following is essential: algorithm design, analysis of high-throughput molecular data (e.g., single cell RNA-seq), or machine learning and language models for biological data. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are mandatory, and candidates should demonstrate interest in the scientific focus of the center.

The University of Cologne offers an exciting, interactive, and multi-faceted research environment, with opportunities to acquire top-notch skills in computational science and problem solving. The position provides a diverse working environment with equal opportunities, support for balancing work and family life, extensive advanced training, occupational health management, flexible working time models, and the possibility to work remotely. The university promotes equal opportunities and diversity, with preferential consideration for women in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (LGG NRW), and welcomes applications from all suitable candidates regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, or 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 and the possibility of extension. Salary is based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the German public sector pay scale. Applications should be submitted online via the University of Cologne job portal (reference number Wiss2603-02) with proof of required qualifications and without a photo. The application deadline is 1 April 2026. For further inquiries, contact Dr. Stephan Kleinbölting at [email protected] and consult the FAQs.