Data Analyst / Bioinformatician (m/f/d) | Proteomics and Metabolomics

Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology; Marburg; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working conditions

31 days of annual leave + holidays

Pension scheme

Deutschlandticket subsidy

Supplementary occupational pension

Job summary

The Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology in Marburg seeks a Data Analyst / Bioinformatician to enhance proteomics and metabolomics data analysis. You will develop computational workflows, implement tools for data processing, QC, and visualization, and collaborate with researchers across disciplines using Python and R to ensure reproducible, well-documented analyses.

Ideal candidates hold a PhD in a relevant field and have strong English skills, with experience in DIA-NN, MaxQuant,

Qualifications

• PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology, data science, life sciences, analytical chemistry, or related discipline.
• Strong experience in MS-based data analysis, preferably proteomics/metabolomics.
• Strong programming skills in Python and R, plus SQLite.
• Experience with DIA-NN, MaxQuant, MassHunter, TraceFinder, MSDial, Compound Discoverer and SIRIUS.
• Solid knowledge of statistical analysis and data visualization for targeted and global datasets.
• Experience creating computational analysis pipelines and data management tools.
• Interest in reproducible research, data management, and FAIR data principles.
• Ability to identify analytical challenges and develop computational solutions independently.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Analyse, evaluate, interpret, and visualize complex MS data from proteomics and metabolomics projects.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve computational workflows and software tools for data processing, management, QC, stats, and visualization.
• Use Python and R to build reproducible analysis pipelines and project-specific solutions.
• Contribute to data organization, metadata management, and FAIR-compliant data handling.
• Support researchers from diverse backgrounds and prepare results for publications, talks, and reports.
• Provide training and communicate complex concepts to non-data-science audiences.

Skills

Mass spectrometry data analysis

Python

R

SQLite

Data visualization

FAIR data principles

Communication

English proficiency

Education

PhD in bioinformatics / computational biology / data science or related

Tools

DIA-NN

MaxQuant

MassHunter

TraceFinder

MSDial

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.

We invite applications for the position of Data Analyst / Bioinformatician (m/f/d) for Proteomics and Metabolomics, available as soon as possible.

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.

If you wish to work part‑time, please indicate your preferred number of working hours per week in your application.

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.

Application

For content‑related questions, please contact Dr. Timo Glatter [e-mail] or Dr. Nicole Paczia [e-mail].

Have we sparked your interest? We look forward to receiving your application by December 15, 2026.

Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology
Personal Departement
Karl-von-Frisch-Straße 10
35043 Marburg
Germany