Job description

Wouldn’t it be mind-blowing if we had a time machine for cells that we could apply to the immune cells in the human body? This would allow us to answer ‘What makes this immune cell different from another immune cell such that it can fight pathogens much better than another one’? With this knowledge we would then pave the way towards new therapies that could help strengthen the immune response in individuals with a weakened immune system.

You could be the one to make this reality! In this job you will work closely together with a molecular biologist to set up a ‘time machine for cells’ to study how cell-to-cell variability impacts an immune cell’s potential to be trained against future pathogens. To do so, you will have to analyze large-scale single-cell blood multi-omics data (such as DNA, epigenetics and transcriptomics) derived from individuals that were vaccinated and subsequently have been exposed to pathogens. Additionally, you will take advantage of data collected within a large international consortium that we are leading (sc-eQTLGen consortium, https://www.eqtlgen.org/sc/), to identify the causes and consequences of this cell-cell variability.

Working environment

We are looking for a PhD student in the Functional Single-cell Biology group of Dr. Monique van der Wijst. This group is embedded in the University Medical Center Groningen Genetics department, consisting of ~300 people working in research, diagnostics and/or patient care. The Functional Single-cell Biology group contains a mix of bioinformaticians and PhD students that together aim to combine state-of-the-art experimental assays with big data analyses to help understand how cell-to-cell variability impacts gene expression, gene regulation, and the immune response.

What do we need

• A master's degree (or are close to graduating) in bioinformatics, statistical genetics, computational biology, molecular biology or a related field.
• A good amount of experience and understanding of programming languages (Python and R are a big plus) and data analysis.
• Experience working on a High-Performance Computing cluster (SLURM experience is a plus)
• Affinity with statistics or are willing to learn.
• You can work independently but you are also a team player.
• You are motivated, flexible, assertive and pro-active.
• You have excellent organizational, communication and interaction skills.
• You have good project- and time management skills.
• Command of the English language in spoken and written word is mandatory.

What do we offer

• We offer a 4-year temporary position for 36 hours a week, to be concluded with a PhD thesis. After one year, performance will be evaluated to decide whether there is sufficient progress to expect a successful completion of the PhD thesis within 4 years.
• Your salary will be a minimum of € 3.017,- gross per month in the first year and a maximum of € 3.824,- gross per month (PhD scale) in the final year, based on a full-time appointment (36 hours a week).
• 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).
• Intended starting date: May 1st 2025 or upon agreement.
• Het UMCG bied je, samen met de andere opleidingsinstellingen binnen de OORNO, een start van je loopbaan in Noord- en Oost-Nederland. Bekijk alle mogelijkheden via de website.

Remaining questions about the position?
Feel free to contact us if you are interested in this position but unsure if you fit the described profile or if you have further questions. You can do so by emailing Dr. Monique van der Wijst, Associate professor Functional Single-cell Biology ([email protected]).

For questions about the position

Any questions? Do contact us.

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 12 February 2025. Within half an hour after sending the digital application form you will receive an email- confirmation with further information.

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.

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