PhD Position in Cellular Toxicity and Bioinformatics

Are you looking for a PhD position in cellular toxicity and bioinformatics? Do you want to be closely involved in following the metabolic fate of toxic compounds and their effects on metabolism? Please apply at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

Location: AMSTERDAM
FTE: 1 

We are looking for a motivated PhD student with strong background in human cell culture systems for toxicity testing and in bioinformatics, to develop research within the NWA-ORC project Virtual Human Platform for Safety assessment (VHP4Safety.nl).

Your duties

• Optimise and characterise human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models, including renal and liver and possibly other organs
• Perform human cell culture-based exposure experiments for assessment of toxicodynamics and-kinetics, including characterisation of donor specific responses
• Develop of data analysis and bioinformatic workflows
• Data analysis and integration
• Conduct research within the scope of the project leading to a dissertation
• Publish scientific articles and present research results at conferences
• Supervision of MSc and BSc students
• Collaborate within the team and with other international researchers

• Master degree in Molecular or Cellular biology, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmacology, Toxicology or a related discipline
• Extensive experience in bioinformatics processes and scripting languages (e.g. Python / R)
• Experience in mammalian cell culture
• Good communication, organizational and social skills
• High proficiency in speaking and writing in the English language
• Team player with the ability to work independently
• Strong motivation for scientific research

A challenging position in a socially involved organization. The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel and amounts €2,395 (PhD) per month during the first year and increases to €3,061 (PhD) per month during the fourth year, based on a full-time employment. The job profile: is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for at least 1 FTE.

The appointment will initially be for 1 year. After a satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, the contract will be extended for a total duration of 4 years.
Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

• a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus 
• solid pension scheme (ABP) 
• contribution to commuting expenses 
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. We strive to be a university where personal development and commitment to society play a leading role. A university where people from different disciplines and backgrounds collaborate to achieve innovations and to generate new knowledge. Our teaching and research encompass the entire spectrum of academic endeavor – from the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 26,000 students. We employ over 4,600 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible and located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.

Diversity
We are an inclusive university community. Diversity is one of our most important values. We believe that engaging in international activities and welcoming students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds enhances the quality of our education and research. We are always looking for people who can enrich our world with their own unique perspectives and experiences.

The Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science inspires researchers and students to find sustainable solutions for complex societal issues. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to medicines and from molecules to the moon: our teaching and research programmes cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. We share knowledge and experience with leading research institutes and industries, both here in the Netherlands and abroad.

Working at the Faculty of Science means working with students, PhD candidates and researchers, all with a clear focus on their field and a broad view of the world. We employ more than 1,250 staff members, and we are home to around 6,000 students.

Division of Molecular and Computational Toxicology
At the division of Molecular and Computational Toxicology section, dept of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical  Sciences research is carried out to study the molecular mechanisms underlying the toxic effects of drugs and other chemicals. Using innovative cellular model systems, state-of-the-art metabolomics approaches and computer simulation methods, the mechanism by which chemicals can cause adverse effects are investigated. The section is also involved in education within of Bachelor's and Master's degree programs in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Medical Natural Sciences and Biomolecular Sciences

Are you interested in this position? Please apply via the application button and upload your curriculum vitae and cover letter

 Expected starting date is January 2022.

Applications received by e-mail will not be processed.

Vacancy questions
If you have any questions regarding this vacancy, you may contact:

Name: Prof. P. (Paul) Jennings or Dr. A. (Anja) Wilmes
E-mail: [email protected] / [email protected]

No agencies