PhD Student (m/f/d) in AI in Genetics – Institute for Genomic Statistics and Bioinformatics

The Institute of Genomic Statistics and Bioinformatics (IGSB) at the University Hospital Bonn is developing artificial intelligence (AI) that can be used to speed up the diagnosis of rare genetic diseases. As part of the Bone2Gene project (PI: Dr. B. Javanmardi) funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF, GO-Bio initial program), we are seeking a strong and highly motivated full time position (38,5 h/week)

PhD Student (m/f/d) in AI in Genetics

to work on understanding and accelerating the diagnosis of genetic bone disorders. The position is limited due the project to 30.09.2027.

• Data Collection: Collaborate with our global network of clinicians (in genetics, endocrinology, radiology, etc.) to collect data on various bone diseases
• Data Cleaning and Structuring: Develop a database of the collected data
• Design and Implement Algorithms: Develop algorithms for automated pre-processing of X-ray images and tabular data
• Deep Learning: Employ state-of-the-art deep learning architectures to train object detection and image classification models
• Conferences and Publications: Attend conferences for networking and presenting your results, and write scientific papers
• Stay Updated: Follow the latest research and developments in AI, data science, and computer vision

• An excellent Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Life Science Informatics, Physics, or a related field
• Strong proficiency in Python, with proven experience in deep learning frameworks (preferably PyTorch) and CNN-based image classification and object detection
• Experience with OpenCV or other computer vision libraries, and version control tools (preferably Git)
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS), Docker, and database management systems
• A strong sense of responsibility, capable of working both independently and in a team
• Systematic approach to complex problems, with a research mentality, math-oriented mindset, and thorough documentation of results. Eagerness to learn and openness to new explorations

What we offer:

• A challenging role in an inspiring team of international experts in computer and data science, and medical genetics, within a forward-looking medical field
• Access to state-of-the-art high-performance computing infrastructure
• Remuneration in accordance with 100% TV-L E13 (subject to relevant collective agreement and personal requirements), initially limited to two years, with all public service benefits (including supplementary pension and annual special payment)
• Company health promotion, and further education and training opportunities
• The opportunity to be part of an innovative potential university spin-off