Researcher in AI-Driven Protein Therapeutics for Cancer Pathways

Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres; Deutschland; Vor Ort; EUR 46.000 - 58.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research institution in Germany is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join the Helmholtz Bioengineering Consortium, focusing on developing anticancer therapeutics using generative AI techniques. The ideal candidate will hold a Master/PhD in a relevant field and possess strong Python programming skills. The position offers meaningful tasks, a supportive environment, and opportunities for professional development and work-life balance.

Leistungen

30 days of vacation

Professional development opportunities

Comprehensive health management program

Flexible working conditions

Qualifikationen

• Demonstrated interest in working with biological data; practical experience is a plus.
• Willingness to learn and ability to think outside the box.
• Independent and responsible way of working.

Aufgaben

• Developing generative AI models for protein design.
• Incorporating reinforcement learning strategies to guide model optimization.
• Identifying protein modalities relevant to cancer pathways.

Kenntnisse

Programming skills in Python

Hands-on experience in Deep Learning

Excellent command of written and spoken English

Ausbildung

Completed Master/PhD Degree in a related field

Tools

Numpy

Pandas

Scikit-learn

Pytorch

Jobbeschreibung

Work Group

JSC - Jülich Supercomputing Centre

Area of Research

Scientific / postdoctoral posts

Job Description

Your Job:

The current position is a part of the Helmholtz Bioengineering Consortium, including generative AI experts, structural and molecular biologists and clinicians to develop anticancer therapeutics by protein design. This project will apply cutting‑edge generative AI methods—including protein design, structure–function prediction, and multimodal learning—to develop and optimize a new generation of protein therapeutics that can overcome resistance mechanisms in cancer pathways. Specific objectives include:

• Identifying protein modalities most predictive and functionally relevant to the EGFR–Ras signaling cascade
• Developing generative AI models for protein design within an existing multimodal framework integrating sequence, structure, functional, microscopy and molecular dynamics data
• Incorporating reinforcement learning strategies to guide model optimization, with a focus on minimizing immune responses and improving therapeutic viability

Your Profile:

• Completed Master/PhD Degree in the field of computer science, biology, physics, mathematics or a related field
• Programming skills in Python required (Numpy, Pandas, Scikit-learn, Pytorch)
• Hands‑on experience in Deep Learning
• Demonstrated interest in working with biological data; practical experience is a plus
• Willingness to learn and ability to think outside the box
• Independent and responsible way of working
• Excellent command of written and spoken English

A PhD degree is not a prerequisite for application. Opportunities to pursue a PhD in this subject area are available during employment.

Our Offer

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:

• MEANINGFUL TASKS: An exciting opportunity to explore a biologically and clinically meaningful topic with opportunities for translation and potential commercialization.
• TEAM & ENVIRONMENT: You will work in a motivated team with an international and interdisciplinary focus – at one of the largest research institutions in Europe
• VACATION: You will receive 30 days of vacation plus additional days off (e.g. between Christmas and New Year`s)
• KNOWLEDGE & FURTHER TRAINING: Your professional development is important to us – we provide targeted, individual support
• HEALTH & WELL-BEING: Your health is important to us. You can look forward to a comprehensive occupational health management program with a wide range of offerings - e.g., a beach volleyball court, running groups, yoga classes, and much more. In addition, our company medical service and an experienced social counseling team are available to assist you on site
• WORK‑LIFE BALANCE: Optimal conditions for balancing work and private life, as well as a family‑friendly company policy. The option of flexible working (in terms of location) is generally available after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on‑site) appointments
• FAIR REMUNERATION: Depending on your existing qualifications and the tasks assigned to you, you will be classified in pay grade 13 of the TVöD‑Bund (Collective Agreement for the Public Service). All information on the TVöD‑Bund collective agreement can be found on the BMI website: go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed . The monthly salaries in euros can be found on page 69 of the PDF download
• FIXED‑TERM: The position is initially limited to 2 years

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more: go.fzj.de/benefits

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: go.fzj.de/equality and on specific support options: go.fzj.de/womens-job-journey

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.