Six Open PhD Positions in Bioinformatics

[fquote]This international graduate program is a close cooperation with our partner program "MADD-Gen" at Simon Fraser University (SFU), Vancouver, Canada.Research will focus on the development of methods of high importance for the practical comparative analysis of genomes, in particular in view of both the variation between individuals (diversity) and the change in populations over time (dynamics). Our program aims at training specialists in handling big data related to genomics and molecular biology.[/fquote]

  • PhD students will hold 3-year positions, payed according to German TV-L 13 table, i.e., a monthly gross salary of approximately 3200 Euros. The graduate program involves a six-months research stay at Simon Fraser University or one of the other partner institutions in Vancouver, Canada. (Additional funds to support parents and handicapped persons are available.)

Studying at the University of Bielefeld




  • Candidates should hold an excellent Master degree (or equivalent) in Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related area. They have to demonstrate broad background in the interdisciplinary field of bioinformatics in general, with a focus on computer science and deep knowledge in the area they apply for (see project descriptions for detailed requirements). As students must be able to communicate their work in the research training group, and have to quickly integrate into both the Bielefeld and Vancouver environment, good communication skills are demanded. Knowledge of the English language is required, whereas German is not necessary. Applications from suitably qualified handicapped and severely handicapped persons are explicitly encouraged.
  • Bielefeld University has received a number of awards for its achievements in the provision of equal opportunity and has been recognized as a family friendly university. The university welcomes applications from women. This is particularly true with regard both to academic and technical posts as well as positions in Information Technology and trades and crafts. Applications are handled according to the provisions of the state equal opportunity statutes.

[info title="Info message" icon="info-circle"]The application deadline is on Sunday, May 8, 2016 at midnight (any time zone).
Two to three weeks later, the most promising candidates will be invited to an application workshop, taking place at Bielefeld University in mid-June.[/info]

Application Instructions

[vtab]
  [content title=" Choose projects"]Within the general scope of the program, we offer several specific PhD projects you can apply for. Please choose up to three projects of your interest. You will have to enter their number in the application form (step 3 below).For the description of the projects including prospective supervisors, follow this link.[/content]
  [content title="Verify your interest in this program"]Now that you've read the project descriptions, you know better what our research program is about. Please also inform yourself about the qualification program and reconsider the requirements mentioned above: "Candidates [...] have to demonstrate broad background in the interdisciplinary field of bioinformatics in general, with a focus on computer science and deep knowledge in the area they apply for."Only if you think that you qualify for this program, proceed.[/content]
[content title="Complete the application form"]The following pdf form can be filled electronically, e.g., with Adobe Acrobat Reader:Application form[/content]
[/vtab]

Provide further documents

[info title="Info message" icon="info-circle"]Your application has to contain the following documents. Do not send any documents other than the required ones.Include English or German translations of all official documents, in case the documents are neither in English nor German. (For the selection procedure, the translations do not need to be certified. In case you are selected for a position, you will have to provide certified translations.)[/info]
Letter of application:
  • Stating your motivation, qualification, main scientific experiences, and a brief outline of your current and future scientific interests (1 page).
Short tabular CV:
  • Data should be in tabular form, maximum 2 pages, including start and end dates (mm/yyyy) where applicable. List your personal information, contact details, languages, and all relevant secondary education, profession and trainings after leaving high school (college, Gymnasium etc.). Also include a list of all conferences you attended, your honors/prizes (e.g. scholarships), and your publications, including thesis (title), journal publications (citations only), conference talks (title and conference) and posters.
Transcript of records, including:
  • 1st university degree or intermediate examination (e.g. B.Sc., Vordiplom)
  • 2nd university degree (e.g. Master, Diploma), or intermediate results if in progress
  • if applicable: transcript of additional university degree(s)
Letters of recommendation:
  • Include two letters of recommendation from qualified referees (e.g. group leaders). For reasons of privacy, the letters can also be sent to us by the referees directly (to [email protected]).
Handicapped or severely handicapped persons should indicate this status on the application form and in the CV to be accounted for.

Submit your application

[info title="Info message" icon="info-circle"]All documents (including the form) have to be provided in a single PDF file not larger than 5MB.Send the PDF to [email protected] by May 08, 2016 (any time zone).(Applying via email is preferred. However, applications might also be sent by mail to: Bielefeld University, Faculty of Technology, Int. Research Training Group 1906 (DiDy), P.O. Box 10 01 31, 33501 Bielefeld, Germany.)Incomplete or incorrect applications will not be considered.If you have questions, contact: [email protected][/info]
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This international graduate program is a close cooperation with our partner program "MADD-Gen" at Simon Fraser University (SFU), Vancouver, Canada. Research will focus on the development of methods of high importance for the practical comparative analysis of genomes, in particular in view of both the variation between individuals (diversity) and the change in populations over time (dynamics). Our program aims at training specialists in handling big data related to genomics and molecular biology.