We, the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM), the Centre of Excellence at the University Hospital Tübingen, are internationally renowned for our basic and clinical research in the field of infectious diseases. The Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (www.vgcare.org) in Vietnam is a long-standing collaboration partner of the ITM. Our PAN-ASEAN Coalition for Epidemic and Outbreak Preparedness (www.paceup.org) is one of four global centers for pandemic preparedness funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the German Federal Foreign Office (AA). PACE-UP aims to build multidisciplinary outbreak response capacity to enable rapid and effective responses to infectious diseases with epidemic or pandemic potential, closely linked to research and training in all geographic regions of ASEAN countries. The center is located at VG-CARE in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Your Tasks:
We are looking for a motivated candidate with a minimum of two years of experience in the field of next-generation sequencing (NGS) with expertise in molecular biology, epidemiology, and infectious diseases to carryout projects in the research group of Prof Dr Velavan. A particular focus of the research group is the genetic characterization of pathogens and human genetic factors that critically influence disease phenotype. The selected candidate will be based in Tübingen, Germany and should be able to undertake short research visits to VG-CARE in Hanoi, Vietnam, if and when required. The candidate will be responsible for all NGS-related projects in Prof Velavan's research group and will also assist in the supervision of PhD and Master students working on specific topics in the field of infectious diseases.

Your profile:
Master's, or Ph.D. degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Bioinformatics, or related field.
A strong background in the following areas: Molecular biology, Bioinformatics and Next Generation Sequencing in infectious disease research.
Proven experience in next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation and sequencing using Illumina and Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) platforms.
Experience in handling and troubleshooting Illumina sequencers (e.g. MiSeq) and ONT sequencers for sequencing different sample types to ensure data generation tailored to experimental requirements and to achieve high sequencing depth and accuracy.
Strong understanding of molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, and library preparation protocols, ensuring high-quality libraries for downstream sequencing.
Proficient in designing and executing library preparation protocols for various sequencing applications, including 16S ribosomal sequencing, targeted sequencing, metagenomics, whole genome sequencing and microbiome studies.
Strong programming skills (e.g Python, Java, Rust, C/C++, R & RMarkdown, bash, git) and statistical analysis using R/Bioconductor/python. Experience with Linux systems and the use of high-performance computing environments.
Experienced in utilizing bioinformatics tools and pipelines for analyzing sequencing data generated from ONT and Illumina platforms, including taxonomic classification, diversity analysis, and functional annotation.
Proven scientific communication skills in the form of scientific publications or equivalent.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to design and optimize sequencing experiments tailored to specific research objectives.
Excellent English language skills, both written and spoken are a requirement due to the international nature of the institute and collaborations.
Experience in co-supervision of Masters, Bachelors, and doctoral students.
Stay abreast of advancements in NGS technologies and methodologies, incorporating best practices into laboratory workflows.

What we offer:
We offer the candidate an excellent international academic environment with a lot of flexibility to work with excellent international team colleagues, with a modern laboratory infrastructure. Professional development opportunities and support for continuing academic career.
If you are passionate about next-generation sequencing and want to be at the forefront of genomic research, please submit your resume/CV and a cover letter. In your cover letter, please also include a summary of your experience with Illumina and ONT sequencing platforms. For queries, please contact or write to Dr. Alexa Purgreth.
We offer remuneration in accordance with TV-L (collective wage agreement for the Public Service of the German Federal States), severely handicapped persons with equal qualifications are given preferential consideration. The University of Tübingen strives to hire more female scientific staff, and therefore emphatically requests women to apply for this position. Interview expenses are not covered. Please note the applicable vaccination regulations. Personnel appointments will be made pursuant to the fundamental stipulations of the legal statutes for universities in Germany.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Dr. Alexa Purgreth
07071 29-82905
We are looking forward to your application to Dr. Alexa Purgreth
including CV and cover letter under specification of the index number 4413.