PhD Student (gn*) in Genetic Epidemiology

(*gn=gender neutral)

The Institute of Health Services Research in Dentistry, University Muenster, Germany offers a PhD position, limited initially to 3 years

Full time with 38,5 hours/week
Salary according to TV-L 13

We have an opportunity for a doctoral researcher to join our research group at the University of Münster. We work on the genetic discovery of molecular traits, such as proteins, to identify genetic regulation of oral diseases and discover new drug targets. We perform genetic epidemiology and pharmacoepidemiology studies to assess medication safety. We are an ambitious, curious, and enthusiastic international team that promotes scientific excellence and career development.

As part of a project funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), we seek a doctoral candidate who will analyze gene expression and proteomic data combined with genetic data and large-scale population cohort/biobank data to provide robust evidence on potential side effects of medication use in the oral cavity.

Your role:
You will be in charge of a work package of the project. The work will involve analysis of large-scale population-based cohort/biobank data including immunological, proteomic, and transcriptomic biomarkers. Use of genetic epidemiological methods (e.g., polygenic scores, genetic correlation, colocalization), methods designed to strengthen causal inference (e.g., Mendelian randomization analysis), and multi-omics data (e.g., genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics) will be a key part of your work. In addition, you will write and publish papers, present at scientific conferences/meetings and attend training activities. There will be an opportunity to develop new research skills and projects. The development of a personal fellowship and grant applivation will be encouraged.

Prerequisites:
You should apply if you hold an academic degree (Master’s) in epidemiology, statistics, genetics or related fields and are keen to develop a career in epidemiology, genetics, and data science research to advance our understanding of potential drug safety issues. Experience in analyzing population-based cohort/biobank data, especially studies involving immunological, proteomic, genetic, and other biomarkers and health outcomes, would be an advantage. Knowledge and experience of genetic analysis, e.g., Mendelian randomization, genetic correlation, colocalization, would be useful, as will be experience in using data from publicly available data sources/repositories such as the UK Biobank, deCODE, and eQTLGen. There will be opportunity to learn and further develop these skills within the post through support and expertise available in the group and the wider community of collaborators.

The ideal candidate should have:

• Experience in epidemiology and causal inference (Mendelian randomization)
• Proficiency in standard statistical methods (e.g., regression models)
• Experience with genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and GWAS meta-analysis
• Experience with additional omics data (e.g., DNA methylation, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics)
• Proficiency in Linux/Unix operating systems
• Expertise in R or Python
• Good communication skills and excellent command of English (German is a plus)

What we offer:

• Support for further personal development and training (e.g. structured development of leadership competencies)
• An interesting and versatile project with challenging tasks
• Access to the latest computing infrastructure
• Training and work in a multidisciplinary and committed research team
• Please note that, while we can be flexible, some level of in-person work will be required; it will not be possible to undertake this position fully remotely

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Sebastian-Edgar Baumeister, T (+49)251 83-48372.

Please send your application via our career site until 14.02.2025.

The University Hospital of Münster is one of the leading hospitals in Germany. Such a position cannot be achieved by size and medical successes alone. The individual commitment counts above all. We need your commitment so that even with little things we can achieve great things for our patients. There are many possibilities open for you so that you may develop with them.