Postdoctoral position (f/m/d) in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology and Machine Learning (E13/100 %)

Job description

The Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene (MIH) at the Technical University of Munich is looking for a postdoc (f/m/d) to join the group of Prof. Dirk Busch working on T cell immunity and immunotherapy. The position is initially available for three years and can be filled immediately.

Research focus

T cells are crucial components of the immune system. They recognize with their receptor (TCR) target structures derived from pathogens, tumors and other exposed or self-derived antigens with high specificity. The overall and intraindividual TCR diversity is extremely high (>> 10⁸), and it is not yet possible to precisely predict targets from TCR sequence data. Deciphering the ‘TCR recognition code’ is currently one of the most thrilling challenges in basic immunology and solutions would open numerous clinical applications in diagnostics and immunotherapies.

Your tasks

Our group uses novel experimental approaches and technologies to generate large libraries of TCRs with defined specificities, as well as corresponding data on structural and functional characteristics. We believe that combining these unique high-resolution experimental datasets with mathematical modeling and machine learning methods will ultimately allow us to predict the entire recognition space for any given TCR sequence. Our work is embedded into close collaborations with international teams of immunologists and structural biologists.

The successful candidate will work closely within the team of Prof. Dirk Busch to support all ongoing TCR projects with bioinformatic expertise (many primary data are acquired by single cell sequencing), and will develop and employ novel machine learning-guided approaches.

Your profile

We are looking for highly motivated applicants with following qualifications:

• A solid background in bioinformatics, mathematics, computer science, computational biology or similar fields.
• A good understanding of basic immunology as well as T cell and TCR biology will be of high benefit.
• Experience with machine learning methods will be a plus.
• Experience with single cell sequencing and downstream data analysis using R/Python software will be a plus.
• Enthusiasm to learn and develop new methods and techniques.
• Ability to conduct interdisciplinary research in an international collaborative environment.
• Proficient written and spoken command of English.

We offer you

We offer you an exciting and challenging project within a dynamic and collaborative research environment. Access to rich and high-quality experimental data based on state-of-the-art technologies is ensured through our long-standing and internationally highly recognized experimental expertise in the field, but also through many close collaborations with other laboratories throughout the world.

Salary is paid according to remuneration group 13 TV-L (100%) of the pay scale for the German public sector. The position is initially limited until 30.04.2026. TUM is an equal opportunity employer. Therefore, women are especially encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to disabled candidates with essentially the same qualifications.

Applications

Complete applications should be sent to Prof. Dr. Dirk H. Busch (dirk.busch@tum.de(link sends e-mail)). Please include a CV, a cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position and how you fit the profile, a brief summary of previous work experience and contact information of at least two referees.