W1 professorship for “Bioinformatics and artificial intelligence that preserve privacy”

Kiel University (CAU) and the University of Lübeck (UzL)

are striving to increase the proportion of qualified female scientists in research and teaching.

At Kiel University (CAU)

and the University of Lübeck (UzL), a total of

four W1 professorships (six years with tenure track W2)

are to be awarded as soon as possible, to promote Schleswig-Holstein as a region of excellence in applied life sciences (medical and natural science research).

With the call for applications for four “Schleswig-Holstein Excellence Chairs”, Kiel University (CAU) and the University of Lübeck (UzL) are continuing their joint Precision Health Schleswig-Holstein (PHSH) funding programme for excellence professorships, which has been in place since 2016. On the one hand, this programme is intended to promote Schleswig-Holstein as a region of excellence in applied life sciences, especially in medical research, and on the other hand, to strengthen inflammation research in the German Research Foundation (DFG) Cluster of Excellence “Precision Medicine in Chronic Inflammation (PMI)”. Teams will be formed between the SH Excellence Chairs and the W1 professorships advertised here. The W1 professorships will be assigned to the respective university that advertised the position.

The W1 professorships affiliated to the four SH Excellence Chairs will be accepted as associate members in the joint institution formed by the CAU, UzL and the UKSH – the PHSH. As a cross-campus organisational structure, the PHSH represents the sustainable structure for continuation of the Cluster of Excellence PMI through the German Excellence Strategy (ExStra). The PHSH is also a model for governance of research funds at the University Medical Center.

The innovative research concepts of the W1 professorships advertised here are intended to complement the research profiles of the respective SH Excellence Chairs. By recruiting junior professors, the cluster ensures the sustainability of its excellence in inflammation research.

You will find excellent conditions for research in Schleswig-Holstein: the environment provides you with key technologies for state-of-the-art biomedical research and you will cooperate with leading researchers in the field of inflammation research. The participating institutions also support family-friendly structures.

The following professorship is to be awarded:

W1 professorship for “Bioinformatics and artificial intelligence that preserve privacy” with temporary civil service status for an initial period of three years (first phase)

Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine at Kiel University

Contact: Prof. David Ellinghaus

Artificial intelligence (AI) applications have enormous potential for interpreting genomics data in conjunction with clinical data, for developing systems to support clinical decisions. This can enable new preventive and treatment measures to be designed for patients, in order to improve life expectancy and quality of life. Among other things, the working group led by Prof. Ellinghaus develops bioinformatic methods and applications for the analysis of genomics data from biobank projects (UKSH cohorts). The W1 professorship advertised here is intended to build a bridge between bioinformatics and bioinformatics-oriented, phenomenon-wide/genomics analyses and the application of data protection-compliant AI models and the analysis of genomics data from biobank projects for precision medicine. We are looking for a scientist who has demonstrable expertise (publications/congress contributions) in one or more of the following fields of research: AI methods, machine learning and data mining, (web) technologies for improving data protection (privacy enhancing technologies, e.g. federated learning, differential privacy, secure multi-party computation, homomorphic encryption) for biomedical data. Knowledge of algorithms for combinatorial optimisation problems, quantum computer-inspired machine learning and redefinition of diseases using genomics data are an advantage. The occupant of the position is expected to strengthen teaching in the field of medical bioinformatics and to facilitate networking between the courses offered and other areas. Experience with software development and publications in relevant (inter)national scientific journals are expected. Initial successes with the acquisition of third-party funding are desirable. Active participation in the joint activities at the site, especially the DFG Cluster of Excellence PMI, is expected, and integration with the Kiel University priority research areas such as “Kiel Life Science” (KLS) and “Kiel Nano Surface & Interface Science” (KiNSIS) is desirable. Applicants require a completed scientific or technical university degree and a doctorate in a subject relevant to the professorship, preferably in bioinformatics or computer science.

Please also refer to the appointment requirements in Section 64 of the Schleswig-Holstein Higher Education Act (HSG). After successful evaluation of the first phase of the junior professorship, the aim is to extend the temporary civil servant status for another period of three years (second phase).

After a successful evaluation, and in the presence of further requirements in accordance with Section 62a of the Schleswig-Holstein Higher Education Act, the aim is to upgrade the professorship to a permanent W2 professorship. In addition to the evaluation of the junior professorship, a separate evaluation procedure is carried out, usually during the second phase of the junior professorship, in accordance with the current statutes.

Kiel University and the University of Lübeck are striving to increase the proportion of female scientists in research and teaching and therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Women with equal aptitude, qualifications and professional performance will be given priority.

The universities are committed to the employment of persons with disabilities. Applications from severely disabled persons and those with equivalent status will be treated preferentially where they are suitable for the position.

We expressly welcome applications from people with a migrant background. Application photographs are not required and we expressly request that you refrain from submitting any.

The Schleswig-Holstein Higher Education Act obliges the Faculty of Medicine at Kiel University and Lübeck Medical School at the University of Lübeck to work closely together with the University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) to form and coordinate priority research areas. The state expects clinics, institutes and newly appointed scientists to work together in this sense.

Applications with the customary documents (curriculum vitae, list of publications, list of lectures, copies of academic certificates, 3 top publications) are requested in PDF format, with details of the private and work address along with telephone number and e-mail, addressed to:  

Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Kiel University

Prof. Joachim Thiery

[email protected]

Further information on structuring the application is available at:

https://precision-health-sh.de

  The closing date for applications is 24.05.2024.