The Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG) and the Center for Systems Biology Dresden (CSBD) are basic research institutes that foster collaborations between theorists and experimentalists. Their research program spans across scales from molecular assemblies to the formation of cells, tissues, and organisms. Currently, about 500 employees work at the institute, representing over 50 nations and a wide range of scientific expertise. As an employer, MPI-CBG offers an environment that fosters open communication and collaboration; an environment with equal opportunities and support for families. The official language of the institute is English.

The Toth-Petroczy lab is an interdisciplinary research group at MPI-CBG and CSBD that studies protein evolution. As a group of scientists with diverse backgrounds in computer science, bioinformatics, statistics, biophysics, chemistry, and biology, we are fascinated by intrinsically disordered protein regions (IDRs) and aim to understand their role in evolution and condensate formation. The field of biomolecular condensates is rapidly growing as more and more biological functions are associated with condensates, such as transcriptional control, RNA metabolism, and cellular organization. Our projects involve method development using prediction algorithms in the above areas of science. Some of our projects are available on the web: DeMAG, CD-CODE.

As a bioinformatics group, we frequently delve into the realms of Software Development, Web Apps, Data Engineering, Machine Learning, and Data Analysis. Almost all of our research projects have the need to build a showcase website to host our research data or build a fully functioning web application exposing prediction algorithms to users, which run a Machine learning model in the hindsight. This is where you come in. You will work closely with other scientists in the group and help them with all sorts of development and programming needs. You will be the guide of every team member whenever it comes to any task related to software engineering/programming. The role will need you to master the art of ML-Ops and deploy machine learning models on production. Our algorithms run on inputs in the range of 1000s to millions. Running such algorithms on sequential single-core processors will end up consuming weeks for each run. Such algorithms need to be optimized to be run on HPCs as parallel programs. You will be expected to write SLURM-based parallel programs that could complete such long runs within days.

What is your role?

• Design and develop normalized databases from raw data (Biological data is really messy)
• Setup automation scripts to connect data processing pipelines
• Write programs to run algorithms on HPC clusters (Parallel programming)
• Develop backend (and/or frontend) of web applications
• Analyze OMICs data to search for interesting patterns
• Build asynchronous task queues to process long-running tasks

Essential qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in fields related to Computer Science or Software Engineering
2. 3+ years of professional experience as a software developer (web development)
3. Proficient understanding of basic computer science data structures and algorithms
4. Proficient understanding of databases – both RDBMS and NoSQL
5. Expertise in a procedural programming language like Python (scripting as well as development)
6. Proficient understanding of APIs, REST, HTTP methods, and gateways (Nginx)
7. Good understanding of MVC frameworks (e.g., Django)
8. Good understanding of asynchronous request handling, partial page updates, and AJAX
9. Proficiency in working with a Linux/Unix-based operating system
10. Proficient understanding of version control using Git (We use Gitlab)
11. Good understanding of SEO principles and ensuring that application will adhere to them.

Desirable qualifications & soft skills:

1. Excellent conceptual and analytical skills
2. Leadership personality and hands-on mentality
3. A high degree of responsibility, perseverance, and ownership
4. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
5. Ability to interact and work with interdisciplinary team members
6. Knowledge of life science data – proteomics, genomics
7. Knowledge of statistics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence

Our offer:

• We offer a diversified job in a young, scientifically oriented, international team in one of the most renowned research institutions worldwide
• Salary and social benefits corresponding to qualification and experience according to TVöD Bund (German civil service tariff)
• Attractive pension plan via VBL (Federal and State Government Employees’ Retirement Fund)
• Discounted job ticket (VVO) and good public transport connections
• Support for a positive work-life balance, including assistance with family and childcare matters

The position is available starting earliest 1 May 2023. The initial contract is for 2 years with the possibility of extension.

Application:

Please send your complete application materials via our online application system stating 2023-SoftwareDeveloper-2390 at https://recruitingapp-2443.umantis.com/Vacancies/551/Application/CheckLogin/2?lang=eng

The following materials should be included:

• Cover letter indicating motivation to apply for the position
• CV
• Academic and professional certificates
• Contact details of 2 approachable professional references

The Max Planck Society strives for gender and diversity equality. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. For initial inquiries, please contact Brian von Rueden, Head of Human Resources (hr@mpi-cbg.de).