PhD (m/w/d)

The Institute for Computational Biomedicine and Disease Modeling conducts research at the intersection of mathematics, computer science, and medicine. We develop mechanistic mathematical and computational models to better understand and predict the progression of complex diseases, with a particular focus on human blood cancers. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, we investigate the regulation and interaction of healthy and malignant cells during disease development, progression and therapy. This PhD position is part of a DFG-funded research project on DNA methylation networks in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), carried out in close collaboration with the Institute for Stem Cell Biology. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is associated with profound changes of the DNA methylation patterns in the malignant cells. The mechanisms governing these changes and their functional relevance remain largely unknown. We aim to explore the emergence and temporal evolution of aberrant methylation patterns during AML development, therapy and relapse. We plan to develop computational tools to analyse the sequence of epigenetic changes and to infer the regulatory network governing the interaction among different, potentially distant, methylation sites. A long-term goal of this research is to leverage epigenetic information to predict disease evolution and therapy response. The computational models will be developed and validated using experimental data from the group of Prof. Dr. Dr. Wagner (Institute for Stem Cell Research, RWTH Aachen).

Your tasks:

Perform bioinformatic analyses of DNA-methylation profiles

Develop and apply statistical and mechanistic computational models to study DNA methylation dynamics in AML

Infer interaction networks that govern DNA methylation in health and disease

Develop new computational approaches in close collaboration with experimentalists

Working hours: Part-time 65% (25,03 hours/week)

Duration/Term of employment: till 31.10.2028, the successful candidate has the possibility to pursue a doctoral degree

Start date: 01.11.2025

Remuneration/Rates: EG 13 (TV-L)

The application deadline for this position is 01.08.2025.

Contact:

University Hospital of the RWTH Aachen, Institute for Computational Biomedicine and Disease modelling, Prof. Dr. Thomas Stiehl, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen.

If you have any questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Thomas Stiehl.

E-Mail: apply.job.28092255@hokifyjob.com

Very good master’s degree (or equivalent) in computational biology, bioinformatics, applied mathematics, physics, or a related field

Experience with computational modeling in a biological or medical context

Strong programming skills, e.g., in Python, MATLAB, R, or Julia

High motivation to work in an interdisciplinary research environment

Good communication skills in English (spoken and written)

Excellent skills in structured thinking and writing

Basic knowledge in ordinary differential equations and statistical inference are beneficial

Basic knowledge in cell biology or medicine

Willingness to work with experimental data and to interact with experimentalists

30 days of vacation per year for full-time employment

A bonus of 3,000 euros for employees who help recruit employees in the care sector

An attractive company pension scheme from VBL

Education opportunities, including updating and upgrading

Access to public transport

In-house kindergarten (places subject to availability)

Staff residences (places subject to availability and by arrangement)

An onboarding app for new employees

Extended opening hours in the staff restaurant

This job advertisement is aimed at all genders.

The RWTH Aachen University Hospital promotes equal opportunity and diversity. Applications from women are expressly sought and, in accordance with relevant laws, will be treated preferentially.

We welcome applications from people with disabilities and they will be given priority if they are equally suitable.

Employment at a fraction less t...