Open positions

As soon as New Open Positions are available will be displayed in this section. In the meantime, you can join the CORE – PostDoc & Phd students – NET and explore the latest advancements from the CORENET researchers and the contributions of the groups, SysChem, Foodomics GroupAlgorithmic Cheminformatics GroupHuckLab and the Physics and Science of Information Group which is part of the Science of Quantum and Information Technology Department at IBM Research Europe – Zurich.

Previous positions

Postdoctoral position in Algorithmic Chemical Informatics

Group of Prof. Dr. Daniel Merkle at Universität Bielefeld

Location: Bielefeld (Germany)

Research focus:

Research on algorithmic chemical informatics within the EU-funded CORENET project (Complex Chemical Reaction Networks for Breakthrough Scalable Reservoir Computing). The work focuses on the development and application of computational methods, algorithms, graph-theoretical approaches and formal models to investigate complex chemical reaction networks and address interdisciplinary challenges in chemistry, biotechnology and the life sciences.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate should hold a Master’s degree and be either an advanced PhD candidate or a postdoctoral researcher in Computer Science or Biotechnology. Strong English communication skills are required, together with a demonstrated interest in technology, supported by either experience in biotechnology applications or advanced programming skills and strong analytical thinking. Candidates should be able to work independently, possess excellent organizational skills and contribute effectively within an interdisciplinary team.

Conditions and benefits:

The successful candidate will be employed by the University of Bielefeld under the German public service salary scheme (E13 TV-L). The position is available full-time or part-time and is initially funded until March 31, 2026. The university offers flexible working hours, professional development opportunities, health and wellbeing programs, occupational pension benefits (VBL), a modern digital work environment, and support for work–life balance

Predoctoral position in Prebiotic Systems Chemistry

Group of Dr. Andrés de la Escosura at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid​

Location: Madrid (Spain)

Starting date: October, 2023

Research focus:

Study of prebiotic organic reactions with biological relevance in non-enzymatic conditions, as a means to investigate possible sources of the biomolecules that enabled the origins of life and their potential to be integrated in reaction networks.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate should have a chemistry degree, with some background in organic synthesis. He/she should have some experience with analytical methods, such as NMR, IR, UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopies, and chromatographic techniques such as HPLC or gas chromatography. A good academic record and English level is required, as well as good writing and learning capacities.

Conditions and benefits:

The candidates will be employed by Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM). Health care and social security benefits are covered by the Spanish social security framework.

Postdoctoral position in Chemical Computing at IBM Research Europe - Zurich

The vision of CORENET is to deploy complex chemical reaction networks (CRNs) as computing unit to process information. Fully automated liquid-handling systems and microfluidic synthesis reactors are available as chemical computing hardware to initiate and control chemical processes. The vast amount of products is being analyzed by a combination of high-throughput mass and ion spectrometry, algorithmic cheminformatics and AI tools.

Location

Zurich (Rüschlikon, Switzerland)

To link the computing tasks with the wet-chemistry world and to use the various output signals as classifiers, IBM Research Europe – Zurich is looking for a PostDoc.

The focus of your research will be on:

  • the design and development of generic mapping tools to transform chemical actions into execution sequences compatible with the microfluidic hardware and the subsequent analytical pipeline;

  • the exploration of the CRN’s response to static and dynamic input variations;

  • the testing of novel CRNs, including output characterization by multiple analytical instruments and compound identification methods; and

  • the classification of output signals by AI algorithms in various computing tasks, including reservoir computing.

The CORENET consortium offers unique insight into today’s interdisciplinary and international research as well as a learning environment with various networking opportunities. Regular exchange and off-site meetings with synthetic chemistry and analytics groups are at the heart of the project. Excellent training possibilities in state-of-the-art research methodologies and a supportive environment will help to shape and drive your scientific career further. The position will be located at IBM Research Europe – Zurich (Rüschlikon, Switzerland).

Requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a PhD in a computer science, mathematical or an engineering field and to have a broad interest in data science, mathematics, chemistry, automatization and artificial intelligence. A solid background in statistics and machine learning as well as hands-on experience with data analysis in Python, R, or MATLAB is required. Excellent communication and presentation skills would be of added value. If you are enthusiastic, willing to learn and explore, and want to become part of an open, collaborative and multi-cultural team dedicated to scientific excellence, then please apply below.

Conditions and benefits

IBM is committed to diversity at the workplace. With us, you will find an open, multicultural environment. Excellent flexible working arrangements enable all genders to strike the desired balance between their professional development and their personal lives.

Postdoctoral position (2 years) in Biohybrid Materials and Systems Chemistry

Group of Dr. Andrés de la Escosura at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid

Location

Starting date

Madrid (Spain)

November 1st, 2022

Research focus

Study of dynamic reaction networks that comprise life-like features such as adaptation, replication and out-of-equilibrium performance. Our systems´ components will be simple prebiotic molecules, and will be directed to the constructuon of cell-like systems with potential uses in different technologies: e.g., reservoir computing.

Requirements

The ideal candidate should have a PhD degree in chemistry or chemical engineering, with some background in organic synthesis, preferably in aqeuous or biomimetic conditions. He/she should have experience with analytical methods, such as NMR, IR, UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopies, and chromatographic techniques such as HPLC-MS or GC-MS. Experience on flow chemistry or microfluidic technology will also be very valuable. A good English level is required, as well as good writing and leadership capacities.

Conditions and benefits

The candidates will be employed by Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM). Health care and social security benefits are covered by the Spanish social security scheme.

Postdoctoral position (2 years) in Algorithmic Cheminformatics

Group of Prof. Daniel Merkle at the University of Southern Denmark

Location

Odense (Denmark)

Research focus

The research group in Algorithmic Cheminformatics at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at SDU offers a dynamic research environment, comprising two full professors, an associate professor, and several postdocs and students. The project includes partnerships with the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Radboud Universiteit, IBM Research Europe Zürich, and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC).

Requirements

We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a PhD in the area of cheminformatics. The ideal candidate has a background in mathematics and computer science and has familiarity with several of the following areas: algorithmics, mathematical modelling, graph transformation, and reservoir computing. Solid competences in programming and ease with formal thinking are prerequisites.

Conditions and benefits

The research group is located at the main campus of SDU, which is located in Odense, the third largest city in Denmark. Denmark is known for its high standards of living, free health care, and competitive salaries. Applicants from outside Denmark are eligible for substantial tax reductions.