Professor Data Analysis in the Life Sciences

Are you passionate about research and teaching and do you specialize in the field of Data Analysis in the Life Sciences? We are looking for a Full Professor with this specialisation for the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS). You will have rich sources of data available to develop new data analysis tools in the interconnected areas of bioinformatics, machine learning and modelling. You will collaborate with different researchers in SILS which will allow us to draw meaningful conclusions from complex life science data sets. 

The Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) is a multidisciplinary institute with four major research themes: Cell & Systems Biology, Neurosciences, Green Life Sciences and Microbiology. Supported by underpinning technology in Microscopy, Mass Spectrometry, Sequencing technologies and Cell Sorting. Our investigators generate complex data sets from a diverse range of cells, tissues and organisms. 

We invite ambitious Data Analysis researchers to apply for the position of Professor in Data Analysis in the Life Sciences. This group leader position comes with a starter package of an Assistant Professor, and two PhD candidate positions, all to be recruited by the candidate.

Your challenge

As a Professor Data Analysis in the Life Sciences, you will develop a leading role in initiating, coordinating and executing novel scientific data analysis methods and approaches in the field of Life Sciences.

Context of the chair
The chair will have a central position in the SILS, building on the current position of the Biosystems Data Analysis group . There will be a strong interaction with all SILS research themes. The Amsterdam environment provides excellent opportunities for interactions with Chemistry and Physics Institutes of the Faculty, as well as with the Institute for Informatics and the Amsterdam AI community. We have strong ties with the Amsterdam Universities Medical Centres, the Dutch Cancer Institute, the Netherlands Brain Institute, Sanquin and many other Dutch research centres and Universities. The Amsterdam Science Park environment provides a vibrant atmosphere that also enables interaction with industry.

Research
As our new professor you have a recognizable research profile in Life Science Data Analysis. Your research area should intersect with bioinformatics, machine learning, data fusion or modelling. This could take the form of e.g., multiscale models and/or integrating multi-omics and/or image analysis. Experience within one of the SILS research themes will make a connection to the ongoing topics easier.

You will provide (inter)national visibility and inspiring leadership to SILS research in the important, growing area of Life Science Data Analysis by setting up and coordinating a research group in this area, supervising PhD candidates and consolidating collaborations with other research groups and research institutes. You are able to create, lead and motivate others to develop innovative interdisciplinary research, to contribute actively to public outreach and you have proven skills in raising relevant funds. 

Teaching
You and your group members will teach in several Bachelor and Master programs, taking responsibility for a large educational portfolio including bioinformatics, data analysis and modelling. We expect you to actively contribute to development of curricula, for example with regards to making them more inclusive and diverse.

You will teach and supervise students in English, and work towards proficiency in Dutch (level B2) if currently not fluent. This is important, as English and Dutch are the current languages of instruction in the BA and MA curricula. English teaching and supervision skills are also important in view of the internationally composed student population at the department. Working with students from all over the world means that you have excellent skills in building and safeguarding a welcoming, inclusive teaching environment. 

Leadership
You have a proven ability in leading a research team and proven experience in managerial roles. We are looking for a leader who can both support and motivate colleagues, create a nurturing environment that allows other researchers to thrive and who is able and willing to take on responsibilities at institute and/or faculty level. 

Your tasks and responsibilities
•    conducting innovative, interdisciplinary research with (inter)national visibility in the field of Life Sciences Data Analysis; supervising PhD candidates;
•    actively pursuing external funding for research, notably funding from research councils, national as well as European; contributing to and developing

     national and international research networks and other forms of cooperation;
•    developing, coordinating and teaching courses in both Dutch and English, in the Bachelor and Master programmes of College of Life Sciences and

     the Graduate School for Life and Earth Sciences; supervising Bachelor and Master theses and tutoring students;
•    taking part in committees and working groups of the Institute and Faculty.

What do you have to offer?

You are willing to promote team science and create a safe working environment for a diverse community of researchers. Communication skills are important, as well as a keen eye for innovations, new developments and valorisation opportunities. You are a leader that connects and collaborates within the Institute, the Faculty and the (inter-) national research community.

Your experience and profile 
You have/are
•    a PhD in Life Sciences, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence;
•    an excellent international academic reputation and publication track record; a track record of acquiring external research funding;
•    successful supervision of PhD projects and junior researchers;
•    in possession of the Basic Teaching Qualification, or the willingness to obtain this within the first two years of your appointment;
•    professional command of English and the willingness to master the Dutch language at an advanced level (B2).

Our offer

The position concerns permanent full-time employment of 38 hours per week. The preferred starting date is to be discussed with the candidate. For this position the University Job Classification profile “hoogleraar” applies. The starting salary depends on past education and relevant work experience, with a minimum salary of €6099 and a maximum salary of €8881 gross per month, based on a 38-hour working week (in keeping with scale HL2, as per the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities ). A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants.

We additionally offer an extensive package of secondary employee benefits, including a generous holiday scheme and year-end bonus. Because we value your continued personal development and professionalisation, we also offer excellent opportunities for study and development.
What else can we offer you
A stimulating work environment with a variety of tasks and ample scope for individual initiative and development within an inspiring organisation. Working at the UvA means working in a critical, independent, innovative and international climate, characterised by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with multiple stake-holders in Amsterdam and across the world. 

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here .

About us

The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain. 

The Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences is one of the Faculty of Science’s largest institutes. Its approximately 240 scientists and staff members work in 17 research groups that perform excellent research centred on four themes: Neurosciences, Cell & Systems Biology, Green Life Sciences and Microbiology. 

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Any questions?

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

           T: +31 20 5257663

Job application

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in this challenging position, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including 31 January 2023. 

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file):

•    a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
•    a letter of motivation and your vision on developments in the field of Data Analysis in the Life Sciences that you would like to tackle;
•    a list of publications;
•    the names and email addresses of three academic references who can provide letters of recommendation.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritise diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

If you encounter Error GBB451, reach out to our HR Department  directly. They will gladly help you continue your application. 

No agencies please.