Job Description
The Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine is the largest Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Germany and is the National Reference Centre for Tropical Pathogens, a WHO Collaborating Centre, and a member of the Leibniz Research Association.
The Computational Infection Biology Department, led by Thomas Otto, is seeking a highly motivated
Scientific Programmer (m/f/d)
– full-time or part-time, EG 13 TV-AVH –
Our group develops and applies computational tools to investigate host-pathogen interactions and their evolution, aiming to identify novel intervention strategies. We specialise in creating algorithms for analysing and integrating multimodal datasets, including single-cell and spatial transcriptomics. Our track record includes tools such as REAPR, peaks2UTR, Companion, and paraCell.
- Develop novel computational methods for the analysis and visualisation of host-pathogen datasets
- Write efficient, maintainable code for standalone and web-based applications
- Maintain and further develop existing software from the Otto group
- Build and optimise computational pipelines to support colleagues across BNITM
- Collaborate with other programmers within the institute
- Contribute to teaching and training activities within the Otto group
- Supervise bachelor's, master's, and PhD students
- Contribute to project development and independent research initiatives
Essential
- PhD in computer science, bioinformatics, physics, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
- Proficiency in at least one major programming language (e.g. Python, C/C++, R)
- Demonstrated experience in delivering successful software projects
- Familiarity with version control systems (e.g. Git, GitHub)
- Good documentation practices (e.g. Markdown, Sphinx, ReadTheDocs)
- Ability to write clean, maintainable, and well-tested code
- Excellent organisational skills and ability to work independently and flexibly
- Strong team spirit and communication skills
- Proficiency in English (written and spoken)
Desirable
- Experience in full-stack web development (e.g. Flask, FastAPI)
- Experience in AI/ML methods
- Background in bioinformatics or computational biology
- Experience in teaching and supervision
- An interesting and challenging job in a creative, supportive and highly motivated team
- An attractive, interdisciplinary research environment with state-of-the-art facilities
- Opportunities to realise independent research projects
- 30 days of vacation per year
- Flexible and family-friendly working hours
- Childcare subsidy
- Subsidy for HVV-ProfiTicket as “Deutschlandticket” (Basic)
- Company pension scheme
- Opportunities for further education and training
Remuneration is paid in accordance with TV-AVH (collective agreement of the Hamburg Labour Law Association) in pay group EG 13. The position should start in October 2025 and is initially limited to 3 years.
We support our employees in achieving a work-life balance and promote the professional equality of women, men and non-binary people. We strive to assist women in their scientific career, increase the number of women in research and reduce under-representation in all areas and positions in general. We explicitly welcome applications from people with disabilities.
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