Post-doc computational biology / bioinformatics

Department Pediatrics – Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Pediatric Allergology - Groningen Research Inst
Work location Groningen
Apply no later than 15 September 2021
Working environment

The candidate will have an appointment at the Department of Pediatrics but will work closely with our multidisciplinary team at the Department of Pulmonology, Medical Biology and Pathology, and ERIBA within Griac .

Job description

Lung diseases are among the most common chronic diseases worldwide. In the Netherlands, 1.2 million people suffer from either chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma. Through our efforts, we would like to help all patients breathe freely. The Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC) studies the mechanisms of these diseases to diagnose the disease better, improve the quality of life of patients, be able to better prevent and cure these diseases in the future.

Integrative multi-omics is a central part of GRIACs activities, and GRIAC investigators have leading roles in single cell transcriptome sequencing, genome sequencing, epigenetic and integrative multi-omics studies of asthma, allergy, and COPD. We lead international research consortia, and have a strong portfolio of academic and industrial collaborations. To further develop integrative omics studies of lung diseases, and to coordinate and expand several ongoing research projects, we are inviting applications from ambitious computational biologists or bioinformaticians for a 4-year fully funded position as a PostDoctoral fellow.

The successful candidate is expected to:

• Develop his/her own line of research on innovative computational approaches in integrative omics of lung disease, taking advantage of many integrated ‘omics’ datasets in lung disease that are available in our research community. The postdoc is expected to lead this project, prospectively aiming for a leadership position in this field supported by personal funding and developing towards a junior group leader position.

• Train, assist, and supervise PhD students and fellows in bioinformatic analyses.

• Identify the need for and supervise the development of Standard Operating Procedures to assure quality and reproducibility of research in our multidisciplinary GRIAC Systems Genomics working group.

What do we need

We are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious computational biologist / bioinformatician with an PhD in computational biology, bioinformatics or an adjacent relevant field. The candidate has extensive knowledge of and experience in with statistical methods and computational approaches to analyze large, multi-omic datasets using appropriate software including R and Python. The candidate is able to conduct independent research and analysis as evident from a track record of competitive publications and open repositories with analysis methods (such as on Github). We expect the candidate to demonstrate professional competences in team science, show the ability to effectively communicate with collaborators and occasionally present oral communication to large groups; the candidate is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results. The candidate has ample experience with quantitative research, (big) data analysis, and is proficient in English writing.

Candidates who have (almost) completed a PhD degree in computational biology, bioinformatics, or related fields are also invited to respond.

The UMCG has a preventive Hepatitis B policy. The UMCG can provide you with the vaccination, should it be required for your position.
In case of specific professions a ‘Certificate of Good Conduct’ is required.

What do we offer

We offer a unique, multidisciplinary working environment with a wide range of possibilities for personal development and building expertise in a diversity of research areas. You will directly work with experts in genetics, transcriptomics, single -cell sequencing, asthma, COPD, and computational biology. You will play a leading role in the weekly meetings of our multidisciplinary working group on Systems Genomics. You will be closely working in an energetic and enthusiastic team of more than 20 researchers from diverse backgrounds. The group has an extensive network, both nationally and internationally. We collaborate with a top-level company on artificial intelligence MIcompany , to boost AI approaches in lung disease research.

Your salary will be a maximum of € 4.615,- gross per month (scale 10), depending on your qualifications and relevant experience, based on a full-time appointment.
In addition, the UMCG will offer you 8% holiday pay, and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centres (CAO-UMC) .

You will first be appointed for a period of 24 months. After a positive evaluation, the contract will be extended for the remaining part of the project (an additional 24 months). Intended starting date: November 2021.

For more information:Griac , Humancellatlas , RUG

How to apply:
Please use the the digital application form at the bottom of this page - only these will be processed. You can apply until 15 September 2021.
Within half an hour after sending the digital application form you will receive an email- confirmation with further information.

Your application should include your motivation, curriculum vitae, and contact information of at least two academic references.

More information

For more information about this vacancy you may contact:

• Professor Gerard Koppelman, telephone (050) 361 1036, e-mail address [email protected]

• Dr. Martijn Nawijn, e-mail address [email protected]