Internship and Master's Thesis: Computational Biology for Allergy Research (f/m/x)
103055
Full time
39 hrs./week
Neuherberg near Munich
At Helmholtz Munich, we develop groundbreaking solutions for a healthier society in a rapidly changing world. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. Through strong partnerships, we accelerate the transfer of new ideas from the lab to real-life applications, improving lives.
Our Group at the Institute of Allergy Research (IAF)/Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM) at Helmholtz Munich investigates the molecular mechanisms that regulate B cell-mediated immune responses. Our research focuses on understanding how B lymphocytes differentiate into effector B cells, including antibody-secreting cells and memory B cells, during homeostasis and in diseases such as autoimmunity, cancer, and allergy.
Allergic diseases, including asthma and food allergies, affect more than one billion people worldwide and represent a major global health burden. A hallmark of allergic immune responses is the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE), a key driver of disease pathogenesis. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms that sustain IgE responses remain poorly understood.
Recent studies have identified type 2 memory B cells (MBC2s) and long-lived IgE-secreting plasma cells (IgE-PCs) as key cellular reservoirs of IgE. Despite their importance, the molecular pathways governing their development, maintenance, and function remain largely unknown.
Project Description
We are seeking a highly motivated Master's student (f/m/x) with a strong interest in computational biology, statistical learning, and immunology to join our team for an internship and subsequent Master's thesis project. The goal of this project is to identify genes, molecular pathways, and regulatory networks that drive the differentiation and function of IgE-PCs and MBC2s. Candidate genes identified through bioinformatics analyses will subsequently be functionally validated in our laboratory using cutting-edge in vitro and in vivo CRISPR/Cas9 screening platforms in mouse and human B cells.
Your tasks
- Analyze and integrate, using statistical learning algorithms, multi-omics datasets (single-cell transcriptomic, epigenomic, and proteomic data) derived from B cells isolated from allergic patients and mouse models of allergic disease.
- Identify candidate genes and pathways associated with the generation and maintenance of IgE-secreting plasma cells and type 2 memory B cells.
- Contribute to the development of hypotheses for experimental validation using CRISPR-based functional genomics approaches.
Your profile
- Master's student in Bioinformatics, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Machine Learning, Biotechnology, Immunology, or a related field.
- Experience with programming and data analysis (preferably in Python).
- A high degree of scientific curiosity, creativity, flexibility, and enthusiasm for working in an interdisciplinary and international team.
Desirable qualifications
- Experience with multi-omics dataset analysis.
- You know the basics of immunology or are keen to learn them.
The student will be jointly supervised by Zaikang Lin from the Fabian Theis laboratory and our research group, offering a unique opportunity to receive interdisciplinary training at the interface of computational biology, statistical learning, and immunology.
If you are interested in applying computational approaches to answer fundamental questions in B cell immunology and allergy, we would be very happy to hear from you.
This position has a fixed term of 2 + 6 months.
Managing Director Mike Frieser:
„We believe that diversity is the key to groundbreaking research and innovative solutions. Our flexible working models and remote options create a supportive environment for balancing work and family life. For us, contributing to a healthier society in such an inspiring workplace is truly meaningful.“
Interested in applying?
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Dr Lesly Calderon Dominguez, +49 89 318749116, who will be happy to help.
Our recruiting is decentralized - your application will be reviewed directly by the specialist department in which you could work in the future.
More information about our application process
Please send your application only via our online application tool and with the following documents:
- Cover letter
- CV
- Degrees/Diplomas/Certificates
- Contact details for at least two referees
If you have obtained a university degree abroad, we will require further documents from you regarding the comparability of your degree at the latest by the time you start work. Please request the Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications as early as possible.
We are committed to promoting a culture of diversity and welcome applications from talented people regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical abilities, religion or age. In case of equal qualifications, preference will be given to applicants with severe disabilities.
