PhD in Bioinformatics: Quantifying Quasispecies—Tool Development and Applications at Friedrich Schiller University Jena – Germany

Summary

The Friedrich Schiller University Jena’s Professorship of Viral Ecology and Omics is hiring a PhD researcher in bioinformatics to develop a graph‑based framework for analysing viral quasispecies. The part‑time position (75%, 30 hours/week) starts on 1 January 2027 or as soon as possible and is funded for four years, initially until 30 June 2030. Candidates must hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in bioinformatics and have strong programming skills in Python, Rust or C/C++. Responsibilities include data analysis, literature integration, web‑based visualisation, collaboration with wet‑lab and computational teams, conference presentations and supporting student projects. Remuneration follows the TV‑L pay scale up to grade E13 with an additional annual payment. The role offers 30 days of leave, extra days on 24 and 31 December, access to research infrastructure, a structured doctoral training programme and career‑skills development.

Key Facts

Department	Professorship of Viral Ecology and Omics
Position Type	PhD
Discipline	Bioinformatics
Research Area	Viral quasispecies analysis
Degree Required	Bachelor’s or master’s degree in bioinformatics
Salary	Based on TV-L, up to pay grade E13, plus a special annual payment under the collective agreement
Funding	Salary (remuneration based on TV-L, up to pay grade E13, plus special annual payment)
Contract Duration	Four-year contract, initially until June 30, 2030
Language	English (required), German or other languages (advantage)
Deadline	2026-10-19

About the Project

The project aims to create a graph‑based framework and associated tools to represent and analyse viral quasispecies, linking sequence data with gene, functional, experimental and environmental metadata. Using public and project‑generated datasets, the researcher will investigate viral variation, mutational hotspots and how quasispecies diversity relates to adaptability.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and conduct analyses with research advisors
• Analyse results alongside scientific literature and public omics datasets
• Develop web‑integrated visualisations for virus omics data
• Discuss findings with wet‑lab and computational research teams
• Present results at scientific conferences and contribute to publications
• Support master’s and undergraduate project students

Required Skills

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in bioinformatics
• Extensive programming experience in Python, Rust, or C/C++
• Experience with graphs, sequence variation graphs, and tool development
• Knowledge of metagenomics, genomics, viruses, or bacteriophages (advantage)
• Strong motivation, organisation, collaboration, and communication skills
• Excellent written and spoken English

Who Should Apply

Applicants with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in bioinformatics, extensive programming experience in Python, Rust or C/C++, and strong motivation, organisational and communication skills should apply.

Benefits

• 30 days of annual leave
• Two additional days off on December 24 and 31
• Access to experimental and computational research infrastructure
• Structured doctoral training programme
• Career‑skills development
• Opportunities to collaborate across bioinformatics, virology, and photonics

About the Employer

Friedrich Schiller University Jena’s Professorship of Viral Ecology and Omics hosts the Viral Ecology and Omics Group and participates in the multidisciplinary Collaborative Research Centre VirusREvolution, offering access to extensive research infrastructure and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the position start?

The position is scheduled to start on January 1, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter.

What is the employment percentage?

The position is part‑time at 75% (30 hours per week).

What is the contract length?

The contract is planned for four years, initially running until June 30, 2030.

What are the language requirements?

Excellent written and spoken English is required; German or other languages are an advantage.

How is the remuneration determined?

Remuneration is based on TV‑L, up to pay grade E13, plus a special annual payment under the collective agreement.