Data Analyst / Bioinformatician for Proteomics and Metabolomics

Max-Planck-Institut für terrestrische Mikrobiologie; Marburg; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

International environment

Advanced MS platforms

Professional development

Flexible schedule

31 days leave

Job summary

The Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology in Marburg invites applications for a Data Analyst / Bioinformatician. You will join the Proteomics and Metabolomics Core Facilities to develop computational workflows for MS data analysis, data management, and reproducible analyses.

You will work in an interdisciplinary team, use Python and R, contribute to publications, and support researchers. The position is initially 24 months, full-time, with opportunities for permanent contracts and

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent) in bioinformatics, computational biology, data science or related field.
• Strong experience in mass spectrometry data analysis (proteomics/metabolomics).
• Excellent programming skills in Python and R, plus SQL-based data handling.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, interpret, and visualize complex mass spectrometric data.
• Develop and improve computational workflows and software tools for data processing and quality control.
• Manage data, metadata, and FAIR-oriented data handling across facilities.

Skills

Mass spectrometry analysis

Python

R

SQLite

Data visualization

Statistics

Education

PhD in bioinformatics

Tools

DIA-NN

MaxQuant

MassHunter

TraceFinder

MS-DIAL

Compound Discoverer

SIRIUS

Job description

The Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology in Marburg is one of the world’s leading research institutions in the field of microbiology. Around 220 employees and approximately 125 guest scientists from a wide range of countries work together to investigate the fundamental principles of microbial life. An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, and we are actively seeking qualified candidates to fill the following vacancy as soon as possible.

The institute has established state-of-the-art Proteomics and Metabolomics Core Facilities that provide advanced mass spectrometry-based technologies for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of proteins, metabolites, and other small molecules in biological systems. Both facilities support a broad range of research projects by combining cutting-edge analytical technologies with specialized expertise in mass spectrometry, data analysis, and method development.

To strengthen the data analysis and bioinformatics capabilities of both facilities, we are seeking a highly motivated Data Analyst / Bioinformatician. The position will be shared between the Proteomics and Metabolomics Core Facilities and will contribute to the development, implementation, and application of advanced computational solutions for mass spectrometry-based research.

Data Analyst / Bioinformatician for Proteomics and Metabolomics

Your Responsibilities:

You will become part of an interdisciplinary team supporting a broad range of research projects in proteomics, metabolomics, and mass spectrometry. Your main responsibilities will include the analysis, statistical evaluation, interpretation, and visualization of complex mass spectrometric data sets.

A particular focus of the position will be the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of computational workflows and software tools for data processing, data management, quality control, statistical analysis, and visualization. You will use programming languages such as Python and R to establish reproducible and efficient analysis pipelines and to develop project-specific solutions for scientific data analysis.

You will contribute to the structured management and documentation of research data and associated metadata, including the development of concepts for reproducible and FAIR-oriented data handling. You will also support the implementation and further development of tools for data organization, quality assurance, and long-term data management.

As part of your scientific support activities, you will work closely with researchers from different scientific backgrounds. You will independently support research projects from data analysis planning through statistical evaluation and interpretation to the preparation of results for publications, presentations, and reports. This includes advising researchers on suitable analytical strategies, statistical methods, and visualization approaches.

An additional important aspect of the position is knowledge transfer. You will communicate complex analytical and computational concepts in an accessible manner, contribute to training and educational activities, and support scientists, students, and technical staff in the use and interpretation of data analysis workflows.

Your profile:

Applicants should hold a university degree, ideally a PhD, in bioinformatics, computational biology, data science, life sciences, analytical chemistry, or a related discipline.

We are looking for candidates with:

• strong experience in the analysis of mass spectrometry-based data, preferably in proteomics, metabolomics, or both;
• very good programming skills in Python, R, and SQLite;
• hands‑on experience in different software tools for handling raw data, preferably experience in DIA‑NN, MaxQuant, MassHunter, TraceFinder, MSDial, Compound Discoverer, and SIRIUS;
• sound knowledge of statistical analysis and scientific data visualization of targeted and global data sets;
• experience in the development, implementation, and maintenance of computational analysis pipelines and data management tools;
• an interest in reproducible research, research data management, and FAIR data principles;
• the ability to independently identify analytical challenges, develop appropriate computational solutions, and work in a self‑motivated and structured manner;
• strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with scientists from different disciplines;
• the ability to explain complex computational and statistical concepts to researchers without a strong data science or bioinformatics background;
• experience with integration of OMICS data in genetic and/or metabolic cell models;
• experience with flux balance analysis and kinetic and/or thermodynamic modelling;
• experience with the analysis of isotopic labeling experiments;
• experience with the analysis of structural proteomics workflows to identify protein‑ligand interactions (LIP‑MS or PELSA‑MS data);
• very good written and spoken English.

We seek a highly motivated, independent, and collaborative candidate who enjoys working in an interdisciplinary research environment and who is interested in contributing both scientifically and methodologically to modern core facilities.

We offer:

• a collaborative, international, and scientifically stimulating working environment;
• access to state-of-the-art mass spectrometry technologies and research infrastructure;
• opportunities for professional development and further training;
• the possibility to contribute to method development, software development, and scientific publications;
• flexible working conditions within the framework of the institute’s regulations;
• 31 days of annual leave, plus additional days off on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve;
• annual special payment, with the option to convert part of this payment into up to three additional days off;
• capital‑forming benefits;
• supplementary occupational pension scheme;
• subsidy towards the Deutschlandticket (Germany‑wide public transport ticket).

The position is initially limited to 24 months, with the possibility of a permanent contract. It is offered on a full‑time basis (39 hours per week) in accordance with the applicable collective agreement.

The Max‑Planck Societyis committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.

Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

For information about the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, please visit our website at www.mpi-marburg.mpg.de. For content‑related questions, please contact Dr. Timo Glatter ([e-mail]) or Dr. Nicole Paczia ([e-mail]).

Max-Planck-Institut für terrestrische Mikrobiologie
Personal Departement
Karl-von-Frisch-Straße 10
35043 Marburg

Germany