Computational Research Manager

The de Groot Lab is establishing a computationally-driven research group at the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences and is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Computational Researcher / Senior Programmer to play a pivotal role in shaping its computational infrastructure and culture. This is a central, long-term position for an individual passionate about enabling excellent science through robust, modern computational practices.

The de Groot Lab develops rigorous, scalable computational methods to understand how single cells make decisions during differentiation, in particular during development. Building on Bonsai, a Bayesian framework that leverages tree structures for distortion-free exploratory analysis of high-dimensional single-cell data, the lab aims to reconstruct accurate cell-lineage trees and use them as a scaffold to map genome-wide regulatory dynamics across development. The lab is highly collaborative and works closely with experimental groups to apply these methods to model organisms and in vitro systems, ranging from organoids to mice.

Responsibilities and perspective

• Computational Tool Development & Maintenance: Drive the development, optimization, and upkeep of the lab’s computational tools and analysis pipelines, ensuring that they robustly support and accelerate the team’s research. Support and educate research groups from across the world that are using the developed methods.
• Mentoring and Training: Support and educate group members (students, postdocs) in programming, version control, data management, and general computational best practices.
• Scientific Contribution: Work closely with the group leader and other lab members to design and implement diverse computational approaches. Take a leading role in shaping the lab’s computational strategy, contributing to high-impact publications and external grant applications, and, ideally, act as the computational lead of the lab.
• VBC-wide Impact: Potentially extend teaching and mentoring skills to the broader VBC community through workshops or training initiatives.

Qualifications and experience

• Proficient Programmer: Demonstrated expertise in programming, ideally with experience in languages commonly used in computational biology (e.g., Python, C). Strong experience with HPC, workflow managers (e.g., Snakemake, Nextflow), and containerization (e.g., Docker, Singularity). Solid understanding of software development best practices (version control, testing, documentation).
• Mentoring Skills: Proven ability to mentor and teach others in computational methods. Effective communication skills, patience, and a structured approach to problem-solving.
• Research Background: A PhD in a quantitative or computational field (e.g., bioinformatics, computational biology, computer science, physics, mathematics) is highly desirable.
• Academic Motivation: Ideal candidates include senior postdocs or experienced staff scientists who possess strong technical skills, enjoy mentoring, and are committed to the pursuit of knowledge and innovation.
• Organizational Capabilities: Ability to manage computational resources, projects, and data effectively.

What we offer:

IMBA is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a dynamic, international, and collaborative working environment at the cutting edge of life sciences research. This position provides a unique opportunity to significantly impact the scientific output and computational standards of a new research group and potentially the wider VBC campus.

In addition, we offer:

• A vibrant scientific environment with regular seminars, journal clubs, and retreats, and strong interactions across Vienna BioCenter institutes.
• Structured mentoring, career and personal development, including access to training in data science, transferable skills and leadership workshops.
• An attractive, family-friendly, and English-speaking working environment with flexible working arrangements and support for international researchers relocating to Vienna.
• Opportunities to co-supervise students, lead projects, and shape the scientific direction of the group.

The annual remuneration for this position is competitive and will be commensurate with experience and qualifications, up to the (Senior) Bioinformatician scale. The yearly gross salary for a full-time position (100%) starts from EUR 70,000, with the actual salary depending on your profile and experience. The position is for 80%-100%, and initially for a period of five years, with the possibility of extension. The ideal start date would coincide with the start of the research group in June 2026.

About us:

The IMBA Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences is one of the leading biomedical research institutes in Europe, focusing on cutting-edge research in the fields of gene regulation and cell biology, as well as developmental biology and stem cell technologies. IMBA is located at the Vienna BioCenter, a vibrant cluster of universities, research institutes, and biotech companies in Austria. IMBA is home to about 280 scientists from over 42 countries and is the largest basic research institute of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, the leading national sponsor of non-university academic research. IMBA offers state-of-the-art infrastructure and top research programs for different scientific career levels. See more in www.imba.oeaw.ac.at; www.viennabiocenter.org

How to apply?

Please send your comprehensive CV, a detailed letter of motivation outlining your programming and mentoring experience, and contact details for two referees using the portal below:

Please submit your application online by March 1, 2026 using the button below. Applications received after this date may be considered until the position is filled.

IMBA - Institut für Molekulare Biotechnologie GmbH www.imba.oeaw.ac.at; www.viennabiocenter.org