Bioinformatics technician

Stellenbeschreibung

The Friedrich Schiller University Jena is a dynamic and innovation-driven university centrally located in Germany. With a broad range of disciplines, it shapes the future through excellent research and teaching. Its scientific excellence is reflected in the profile areas Light – Life – Liberty, which provide pioneering insights and sustainable solutions for the society of tomorrow. Through close collaborations with leading research institutions, innovative companies, and renowned cultural organizations, it advances interdisciplinary developments. With around 17,000 students and approximately 10,000 employees, it defines Jena as a vibrant, internationally connected city of science and innovation.  

The professorship of Viral Ecology and Omics (VEO) seeks to fill the position of a  

Bioinformatics technician  

commencing on 1st May 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter  

We offer an 80% position (32 hours per week) until 31st December 2032  

Within the Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse at Friedrich Schiller University Jena, the Viral Ecology and Omics (VEO) Group led by Prof. Bas E. Dutilh studies how viruses shape microbial ecosystems using experimental microbiology and advanced bioinformatics. As our new Bioinformatics Technician, you will support and further develop our HPC-based computational infrastructure, maintain tools and pipelines for microbial and viral (meta)genomics, and assist researchers in conducting reproducible analyses.  

Your responsibilities:

• Install, update, and troubleshoot bioinformatics tools on the HPC system.
• Develop and maintain pipelines for microbial and viral (meta-) genomics.
• Create containerized, reproducible environments (Conda, Apptainer).
• Maintain microbial and metagenomic databases with automated updates.
• Manage GitHub repositories, contribute to documentation, and SOPs.
• Provide user support and troubleshoot tool installations, databases, and workflows.
• Data management, optimize storage organization.
• Coordinate with the university IT team and support the maintenance of the computational infrastructure.

Your profil:

• At least a completed B.Sc. in (Microbial) Bioinformatics or a closely related field. Experience in Linux-based computing and HPC environments. 
• Programming experience in Bash, Python, R, workflow languages (Snakemake, Nextflow, etc.). 
• Familiarity with Git/GitHub practices for bioinformatics tool development. 
• Experience in microbial (meta)genomics or microbiology is highly advantageous. 
• Ability to work independently, responsibly, and in parallel on diverse projects. 
• Excellent communication skills and enjoyment of teamwork in a diverse, international group. 
• Languages: English, German.

Are you hesitating because you don't meet one or some of our requirements? Please do not hesitate to apply and give us a chance to get to know you.      

We offer:

• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) up to salary scale E10 — depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications—, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement.
• Attractive fringe benefits, e.g., capital formation benefits (VL) and an occupational pension (VBL).
• FSU’s University health promotion program and a wide range of university sports activities.
• Jena – City of Science is a lovely and lively town with a vibrant local cultural agenda. Jena is among the most liveable cities in Germany. Situated on the Saale River and surrounded by the famous Thuringian Forest, this city is ideal for nature lovers and hikers.
• You will be part of the VEO and MGX groups, a highly collaborative
  and energetic team of international scientists in viral ecology and metagenomics.
• 30 days of vacation per calendar year, plus two days off on December 24 and 31                                                                                                                               

The 80% position (32 hours per week) is offered as a fixed-term position until 31st December 2032. To promote gender equality in science, applications by women are especially welcome.

Candidates with disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

Applications should be written in English and comprise a cover letter, a detailed curriculum vitae, copies of academic certificates, and the names and contact details of two references.  

Are you eager to work for us? Then apply by 27th March 2026 using our online form.                                                         Online application

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