Scientist (f/m/x) - Phenology-based pollen forecasts using AI
The job
Pollen-related respiratory diseases are on the rise and, based on climate change, this problem will become even more acute in the coming years as plants flower earlier and pollen becomes more allergenic due to environmental pollutants. The "PollenNet" project, funded by the Carl Zeiss Foundation, aims to contribute to improving the automated detection of pollen and allergenicity through the use and further development of a new high-throughput method for pollen analysis and AI methods to improve pollen predictions for high-resolution local, temporal and taxonomic prediction of pollen loads.The position can only be filled with the approval of the third-party funder.
Place of work
Leipzig, iDiv,Possibility of mobile working for two days/weekWorking time
65 % (25,35 h/week)Contract limitations
limited contract / 3 years, with possibility of extension for additional 3 years, depending on positive project evaluationSalary
Remuneration according to the TVöD public-sector up to pay grade 13 including attractive public-sector social security benefits.Contact
Your contact for any questions you may have about the job:
Dr. Susanne Dunker susanne.dunker[at]ufz.de
The UFZ
The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) with its 1,100 employees has gained an excellent reputation as an international competence centre for environmental sciences. We are part of the largest scientific organisation in Germany, the Helmholtz association. Our mission: Our research seeks to find a balance between social development and the long-term protection of our natural resources.
The job
Pollen-related respiratory diseases are on the rise and, based on climate change, this problem will become even more acute in the coming years as plants flower earlier and pollen becomes more allergenic due to environmental pollutants. The "PollenNet" project, funded by the Carl Zeiss Foundation, aims to contribute to improving the automated detection of pollen and allergenicity through the use and further development of a new high-throughput method for pollen analysis and AI methods to improve pollen predictions for high-resolution local, temporal and taxonomic prediction of pollen loads.
The position can only be filled with the approval of the third-party funder.
Your tasks
- Further development of an existing method for allergen staining of pollen using fluorescence-labeled antibodies
- Organization of sample preparation, sample handling, measurements and subsequent data analysis
- Scientific publication of the project results
- Close collaboration with project partners and scientists from other disciplines
- Participation in national and international workshops and conferences
- If desired, the topic can also be dealt with as part of a PhD.
We offer
- Excellent technical facilities which are without parallel
- The freedom you need to bridge the difficult gap between basic research and close to being ready for application
- Work in inter-disciplinary, multinational teams and excellent links with national and international research networks
- A vibrant region with a high quality of life and a wide cultural offering for a balance between family and professional life
- Interesting career opportunities and an extensive range of training and further education courses
Your profile
- A good to very good Master's degree in a relevant research field (biology or ecology)
- Knowledge of palynology, immunostaining and/or experience with flow cytometry would be an advantage
- Good knowledge of the Central European flora
- Ability to organize and prioritize work efficiently
- Independent, diligent working style and reliability
- Strong interest in integrative biodiversity research
- Good written and oral communication skills in English
- Skills in data evaluation (e.g. R)