PhD Position (f/m/x) - Personalized Risk Prediction Using Genomic Data
Full time39 hrs/week
Neuherberg near Munich
Home Office Options
We are Helmholtz Munich. In a rapidly changing world, we discover breakthrough solutions for better health.
Our research is focused within the areas of metabolic health/diabetes, environmental health, molecular targets and therapies, cell programming and repair, bioengineering, and computational health. We particularly excel in the fields of basic research, bioengineering, artificial intelligence, and technological development.
Through this research, we build the foundations for medical innovation. Together with our partners, we seek to accelerate the transfer of our research, so that laboratory ideas can reach society and improve people’s quality of life at the fastest rate possible.
This is what drives us. Why not join us and make a difference?
The Institute of Epidemiology invites applications for a PhD position (f/m/x) in Genomic Data Science as part of the STAGE project. Funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Program, this project focuses on Personalized Risk Prevention in Digital Health, with a particular emphasis on healthy ageing.
We are looking for a highly motivated individual to contribute to improving personalized risk prediction for cardiovascular disease using polygenic risk scores (PRS).
"This research will empower individuals by providing them with actionable genetic insights to enhance their health decisions."
"We believe that excellent research requires a range of different perspectives. Diverse teams reach better solutions and are more innovative in their research topics.
Establishing our Diversity Management Strategy demonstrates our commitment to ensuring an appreciative company culture based on mutual respect. We are also implementing diversity-sensitive processes throughout our whole organization."
Your tasks
Year 1
- Implement and improve a genotyping pipeline for calculating PRS specific to cardiovascular disease.
- Coordinate genotype measurements and manage data imputation on an established server.
- Harmonize genomic datasets and ensure data consistency.
- Calculate PRS and validate methods according to established standards.
- Prepare outputs for medical application.
Years 2 & 3:
- Analyze personalized risk prediction models and integrate them into existing study datasets.
- Work closely with the STAGE team and external partners.
- Present results at international conferences and contribute to scientific publications.
Your profile
- Master’s degree in genetics, data science, bioinformatics, epidemiology, or a related discipline.
- Experience with genomics and polygenic risk score calculations is highly desirable.
- Strong interest in science, innovation, and a commitment to independent, creative research.
- Excellent problem-solving abilities and the capability to meet project deadlines.
- Exceptional communication and teamwork skills.
- Fluency in written and spoken English; knowledge of German is beneficial but not required.
Benefits
- Scientific Training: Helmholtz Munich Graduate School
- Career counseling: Career Center for PhD candidates
- Recreation: 30 days annual leave, flexi days, plus public holidays
- Health Promotion: Sports, company doctor, mental health initiatives
- International Staff Service: Support with the relocation and integration process in Germany
Since 2005, we hold the TOTAL E-QUALITY award for exemplary action in the sense of an equal-opportunity organizational culture.
Helmholtz Munich is actively committed to diversity and inclusion in practice and is sustainably committed to equality.
The Diversity Charter has set itself the goal of promoting diversity in the world of work. By signing the charter, we commit ourselves to create an appreciative working environment for all employees.
This position provides the opportunity for you to build specialist knowledge whilst developing key professional experience, both of which will help you to make strides in your scientific career.
Remuneration and social security benefits are based on the German Collective Wage Agreement for Public-Sector Employees at Federal Level (EG 13 50% TV EntgO Bund). In addition, there is also the possibility of receiving an allowance if the applicable conditions are met. The position has an (initial) fixed term of three years but may be extended under certain circumstances.
We are committed to promoting a culture of diversity and welcome applications from talented people regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical abilities, religion or age. Qualified applicants with physical disabilities will be given preference. If you have obtained a university degree abroad, we will require further documents from you regarding the comparability of your degree. Please request the Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications as early as possible.
Interested in applying?
- CV
- Cover letter
- Degrees/Diplomas/Certificates
- Contact details for at least two referees
