PhD Student (f/m/d) – Computational Cancer Genomics / Bioinformatics

Location: Vienna

Research group: George Cresswell Group

Working hours: Fulltime

Are you interested in working in an ambitious team that combines genomics
and tumor evolution to better understand pediatric cancers?

Here is your chance to contribute to science that makes a difference!

The Cresswell Group is recruiting a PhD student (f/m/d) interested in bioinformatics, cancer genomics and tumor evolution to strengthen its young and innovative research team. In this responsible role, you will have the unique opportunity to be part of a multidisciplinary competence center for pediatric cancer research and to have a direct influence on the development of new cancer therapies and biomarkers.

The Cresswell Group is focused on the mutational processes and evolution of pediatric cancers. The aim of this research group is to get a better understanding of the disease and to predict which children are most at risk of a poor response to treatment. The close collaboration with the pioneering Precision Oncology Program (POP) at St. Anna Children’s Cancer Research Institute, with other computational teams and with medical experts at the St. Anna Children’s Hospital guarantees the best knowledge exchange to develop new approaches and methods for studying genomic alterations in pediatric cancers and understanding their role in patient outcomes.

Your responsibilities

• Analysis of rich, state-of-the-art datasets: You will analyze multiple data types, such as whole genome/exome sequencing, single cell data and SNP arrays, using established workflows, new methods and your own algorithms. Through this, you will identify the genetic alterations that occur in pediatric cancers and will get a better understanding of this disease.
• Leading research: You will lead and develop your own research project, provide innovative approaches and work independently with high scientific integrity.
• Scientific writing: You will write manuscripts, present at conferences and apply for fellowships.
• Teamwork: You will work in a highly collaborative team, that synergizes with wet lab teams at the institute, solving problems in a multidisciplinary manner.

Your profile

What you bring for this position:

• Master’s degree in a relevant subject (e.g. bioinformatics, genetics, molecular biology, cancer)
• Good programming skills (e.g. R or python, bash) and a solid understanding of statistics
• Good understanding of molecular biology, ideally in the field of cancer research
• The following are considered a plus:
  • Experience with next generation sequencing data analysis or other genome-wide assays
  • Experience with machine learning methods in bioinformatics
• Enthusiasm, determination, creativity and scientific curiosity
• Motivation to pursue an ambitious research agenda
• Team player with strong communication skills and a proactive “getting things done’’ mentality
• Excellent verbal and written skills in English is required (German is not required)

Our offer

Does this sound interesting? This is our offer to you:

• A challenging role in a meaningful, inspiring, and international environment
• An outstanding working atmosphere in a young and dynamic team
• Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure
• Flexible working hours, discounted lunch in our canteen and other great benefits
• Great location in the center of Vienna, a capital of biomedical research in Europe with excellent quality of life
• An attractive salary package according to the Austrian Science Fund FWF (https://www.fwf.ac.at/en/research-funding/personnel-costs/)

Who we are

The St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (St. Anna CCRI) is located in the heart of Vienna, the most livable city in the world and one of the most important sites for biomedical research in Europe. St. Anna CCRI is a multidisciplinary and internationally networked center of excellence whose goal is to contribute to a sustainable improvement in the cure rates of childhood and adolescent cancers through innovative research and development. Due to the close cooperation between clinic and research, St. Anna Children's Cancer Research offers the ideal environment for cutting-edge research at a high international level and its implementation in clinical practice.

St. Anna CCRI is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to providing a work environment of mutual respect to everyone without regard to race, colour, religion, national origin, age, gender identity or expression, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.

Find more information here: https://ccri.at/

Your application

We are looking forward to your application! Applications should at least contain your Curriculum Vitae, a cover letter detailing your motivation, a list of publications if applicable (please explain your contributions) and the contact details of 2-3 scientific references.

The application deadline ends on 15.10.2023 or until position is filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.