The Institute of Biomedical Informatics (BI-K) is currently searching for a PhD Researcher focusing on research and development of Large Language Models (LLMs) for biomedical data applications.
The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge projects involving LLMs, data analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration to address key challenges in the biomedical field.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Research on Large Language Models (LLMs):
  Conduct in-depth research into the functioning, capabilities, and limitations of LLMs, with a focus on applications in biomedical data, including training and / or fine tuning
• Quantitative Data Analysis: Independently analyse and interpret quantitative data from related data sources, employing statistical and computational techniques
• ETL Pipeline Development for Data Quality and Findability: Develop, maintain, and optimise ETL pipelines to improve data quality, findability, and accessibility in line with biomedical data requirements
• Metadata Standards and Data Integration: Apply knowledge of biomedical metadata standards to assess data quality and ensure interoperability, with an interest in data integration and quality assessment
• Knowledge of FAIR Principles: Ensure all data rocesses adhere to FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, enhancing the transparency, accessibility, and usability of biomedical data
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with biomedical scientists to develop and refine innovative approaches that utilise LLMs to solve biomedical data challenges and facilitate knowledge extraction
• Benchmark Dataset Compilation: Compile, validate, and benchmark datasets to support the evaluation and performance comparison of LLMs within key biomedical use cases, adhering to FAIR data principles

• Educational Background: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Biomedical Informatics, Data Science, Computer Science, or a related field
• Technical Skills: Experience in data integration, and proficiency in programming (e.g., Python) and work with NLP (Natural Language Processing)
• Research Skills: Strong analytical abilities, familiarity with FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles, and experience in interdisciplinary research
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present at conferences and collaborate with diverse stakeholders
• Additional: Prior experience with biomedical data or data science competitions is a plus

• We offer an excellent technical infrastructure and clinical collaborations to work with real-world healthcare data.
• We promote your professional career development with the opportunity to take part in projects in national as well as European-wide academic, research and industry consortia.
• Our institute promotes diversity and offers a family-friendly and modern working environment.
• Flexible working hours and home office are possible.

We are one of the leading university hospitals in Germany and network research, teaching and health care at the highest level. That's why many things are a lot bigger for us: the spectrum of exciting development opportunities. The limitless openness with which specialists from all over the world work together here. Or our commitment as an employer to support all employees as best we can in reconciling their job with their goals and life situations.
The Institute of Biomedical Informatics (BI-K) is a newly founded and dynamic Institute at the Medical Faculty of the University of Cologne. Its mission is to support data-driven transformation in medicine and develop novel artificial intelligence technologies for personalised medicine. You will be part of an agile, innovative and interdisciplinary team that brings together expertise from different disciplines to create synergies. You will have the opportunity to work with realworld data and collaborate with clinicians to solve problems that can have an impact on the lives of many people.