Postdoctoral Fellowship in Research and Scientific Software Development for Biological Structure Determination : Hamburg, Germany

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Job Description

The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) is one of the highest ranked scientific research organisations in the world. The Headquarters Laboratory is located in Heidelberg (Germany), with additional sites in Grenoble (France), Hamburg (Germany), Hinxton (UK) and Monterotondo (Italy).

The EMBL Unit in Hamburg, located on the site of the German Synchrotron Research Facility, offers an international and stimulating environment for research in molecular structural biology. One of the novel areas of biology research concerns the use of X-ray free-electron laser radiation. The inherent properties of biological samples require a specialised computational evaluation of the data in order to realise the full potential of such X-ray diffraction experiments. The Lamzin Group at the EMBL-Hamburg is contributing to the field by developing new computational methods for data interpretation and model building. A highly motivated and experienced researcher is sought to contribute to the group's efforts in this area of research.

The successful applicant will be involved in the design and the development of novel software techniques for data interpretation towards refined models and their validation. Computational approaches will involve a use of complementary information obtained by other structure determination methods. The EMBL offers a dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment and participation in both internal and external collaborations, in particular those related to additional software development activities and experimental work supporting this, will be encouraged. 

Qualifications and Experience

The candidate should have a PhD degree in a relevant field and sufficient research accomplishments. Extensive experience in scientific programming is essential (knowledge of C, C++, Fortran and/or shell/perl/python scripting is preferred). Excellent communication and presentation skills and the ability to work in an international environment are required. Expertise in X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy and modelling techniques is desirable. Some knowledge of molecular biology techniques for sample preparation and quality control would be considered a bonus, but training can be provided. Familiarity with some of the related techniques (pattern recognition, statistics, combinatorial optimisation, graph theory or information theory) would be considered an advantage.