PhD/Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in Bioinformatics, Microbial Genomics, and Infectious Disease Research - Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene

Third-party funding through the RED-MED project grant with the STEP Saxony Anhalt programme

You will contribute to the development and application of bioinformatic and computational methods for the analysis of clinical and microbial sequencing data. The research focuses on microbial genomics, pathogen detection, and microbial cell-free DNA (mcfDNA)-based approaches to advance infectious disease research and diagnostics.

Your Responsibilities:

• Analysis of short- and long-read sequencing data (Illumina and Oxford Nanopore).
• Development and optimization of reproducible bioinformatics workflows and computational methods.
• Microbial genomic analyses, including comparative genomics, phylogenetics, pathogen evolution, and mcfDNA-based pathogen detection.
• Benchmarking and optimization of bioinformatic tools and computational approaches.
• Integration of genomic, microbiological, and clinical data.
• Collaboration within an interdisciplinary research team and dissemination of research findings through scientific publications and conferences.

Your Profile:

• A PhD (for postdoctoral applicants) or an MSc degree (for PhD applicants) in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Data Science, Microbiology, or a related discipline.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing data analysis and bioinformatic workflows.
• Programming or scripting experience (e.g., Python, R, Bash, Perl, or similar) and familiarity with Linux-based environments.
• Experience with Illumina and/or Oxford Nanopore sequencing data.
• Knowledge of microbial genomics or related fields; experience with HPC, workflow development, phylogenetics, metagenomics, antimicrobial resistance, bacteriophage genomics, or mcfDNA analysis is advantageous.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, the ability to work independently and collaboratively, and excellent written and spoken English.

We offer:

• We offer an exciting workplace at a tertiary care hospital that also focuses on research and teaching
• Look forward to internal and external professional development and training opportunities
• Protect the environment and enjoy discounted bus and train travel with a subsidized transit pass
• We also offer a wide range of sports and relaxation activities as part of our workplace health management program
• Onboarding: Start your new role with our introductory event, where you will receive a wealth of important information and training

Terms and Conditions:

• Salary: The salary group E 13 according to “Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst der Länder.” awaits you.
• Appointment: starting 1 October 2026, full-time or part-time (postdoctoral researcher: 100% / doctoral researcher: 65%) and for a fixed term until 30 September 2029
• Work Location: Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg
• Application Deadline: 21.08.2026

For further questions, please contact Mr. Prof. Dr. Achim Kaasch at 0391-67-13392.

Your application:

Preferred application format: online submission including a cover letter, CV, and relevant certificates.

online application

by E-Mail:

bewerbung@med.ovgu.de - (Reference number: 536-2026)

by Post:

Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg

Faculty of Medicine

Personnel Division - Recruiting

Reference number: 536-2026

Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg

If you have an international vocational or academic qualification*, your application must be accompanied by a certificate evaluation from the* Central Office for Foreign Education (KMK)**. If you do not yet have a certificate evaluation, you will need to apply for one if your application is successful.

The Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg is committed to diversity and equal opportunity. It therefore encourages women with according qualifications to apply. Applications from persons with a certified serious disability will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability and qualification