Postdoc Computational Biology & Bioinformatics

Model organisms have been proven to be instrumental in studying the ageing process and investigating potential anti-ageing interventions. To date, multiple changes at the genome level (e.g. gene knock-outs), diet (caloric restriction), as well as other strategies, such as clearance of senescent cells, replacement of blood plasma and microbiome were proven to extend life- and health-span in model organisms. Yet, translating these findings for improving human health has proven to be a long and challenging process. The European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA) studies fundamental aspects of ageing, universal and evolutionary conserved pathways that influence the onset of age-related diseases, and ways to counteract the development of these pathologies. The research in ERIBA is centered around several model organisms: laboratory mice, zebrafish, killifish, C. elegans, flatworm M. lignano, and yeasts. Using these models, researchers at ERIBA investigate normal and accelerated ageing processes and ways to delay and treat Alzheimer’s, ALS, cancer, COPD, and other diseases. The discoveries of the mechanisms underlying age-related diseases and the main players that define the progression of the disease need to be translated to humans.

Through established, data-driven collaboration between the ERIBA institute and the Lifelines biobank, we aim to accelerate translational research in healthy ageing. By expanding and strengthening our team of computational biologists, we would like to support bi-directional research projects between model organism experts and biobank that collected a vast amount of human phenotype and molecular multi-omics data. Thus, findings made in model systems in ERIBA can be explored using existing human data. At the same time, genetic drivers for fast/slow ageing or disease predisposition identified through genome-wide scans in Lifelines data can be investigated in model systems to cross-validate the robustness of genetic predisposition and test experimental intervention strategies for counteracting the disease.

The successful candidate is expected to:
- Develop their own line of research on innovative computational approaches in integrative omics of ageing biology, taking advantage of integrated ‘omics’ data 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.
- 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 the quality and reproducibility of research.

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, and computational biology. You will play a leading role in the weekly meetings of our multidisciplinary working group and will be closely working in an energetic and enthusiastic team from diverse backgrounds. The group has an extensive network, both nationally and internationally.