PhD Position: Single-Cell Computational Biology

Employment 0.8 - 1.0 FTE

Gross monthly salary € 2,872 - € 3,670

Required background Research University Degree

Organizational unit Faculty of Science

Application deadline 17 November 2024

Are you interested in developing more informative computational models? Do you see the challenge in how to reconcile mechanism-based mathematical modelling and machine learning in the era of big, multi-omics data? Then you are the PhD candidate we are looking for!

Current sequencing technologies provide unprecedented resolution into cellular processes at the scale of individual cells. Yet, the size and availability of this data pose novel theoretical and computational challenges. 

As a PhD candidate, you will contribute to the expansion of this knowledge, broadening our understanding of the molecular bases driving development and disease, working at the Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS).

You will have the opportunity to apply a wide range of computational techniques, learn state-of-the-art omics technologies, and develop novel computational approaches to integrate multi-omics big data with a specific focus on the topics of gene regulation, cell differentiation and cell-cell communication.

As part of your PhD training, you will assist in teaching one or two courses per year, typically in the BSc and/or MSc programme in Biology, and supervise BSc and MSc students within the context of your project.

Profile

• You have a Master’s degree in a field related to life sciences, for example mathematics, physics, computer science, biology, or medical sciences.
• You have a strong pre-existing knowledge of computational methods (e.g. familiarity with programming languages or numerical methods).
• If you have a background in mathematics, physics, computer science or a related field, you will need to demonstrate a strong interest in the application of these disciplines to cell biology (e.g. by having taken elective courses during your Master’s programme or a biology-oriented Master’s thesis project).
• If you have a background in biology, medical sciences, or a related field, you must demonstrate previous experience in computational biology (e.g. by having taken elective courses during your Master’s programme or a computationally oriented Master’s thesis project).
• You are a highly communicative and team science-minded professional.
• You have a good command of the English language, both verbal and written.

We are

As a PhD candidate, you will work in an interactive and multidisciplinary environment in the Molecular Developmental Biology department at RIMLS, where Dr Federico Bocci will be your supervisor. In our lab, we integrate tools from various fields of science including physics, mathematics and bioinformatics. We employ a question-oriented approach whereby we try to study biological phenomena by selecting the best suited computational tool. Additionally, we collaborate with wet-lab biologists, both within and outside RIMLS, to apply and validate these computational methods in collaborative projects.

Radboud University

At Radboud University, we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research, providing high-quality education, offering excellent support, and fostering collaborations within and outside the university. In doing so, we contribute indispensably to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. To accomplish this, we need even more colleagues who, based on their expertise, are willing to search for answers. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Will you also contribute to making the world a little better? You have a part to play.

If you want to learn more about working at Radboud University, follow our Instagram account and read stories from our colleagues.

Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science (FNWI), part of Radboud University, engages in groundbreaking research and excellent education. In doing so, we push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and pass that knowledge on to the next generation.
We seek solutions to major societal challenges, such as cybercrime and climate change and work on major scientific challenges, such as those in the quantum world. At the same time, we prepare our students for careers both within and outside the scientific field.
Currently, more than 1,300 colleagues contribute to research and education, some as researchers and lecturers, others as technical and administrative support officers. The faculty has a strong international character with staff from more than 70 countries. Together, we work in an informal, accessible and welcoming environment, with attention and space for personal and professional development for all.

We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract (0.8 FTE 5- year contract - 1.0 FTE 4- year contract) of 1,5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4-year contract) or 3.5 years (5-year contract).
• You will receive a starting salary of €2,670 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,539 from the fourth year onwards (salary scale P).
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus.
• You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Support Service. The Dual Career Programme assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands. Our Family Support Service helps you and your partner feel welcome and at home by providing customised assistance in navigating local facilities, schools, and amenities. Also take a look at our support for international staff page to discover all our services for international employees.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20.

Additional employment conditions

Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions reflect this. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself. For example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports membership. And, of course, we offer a good pension plan. We also give you plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

Practical information and applying

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Federico Bocci. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application.

The first interviews will take place on Monday 25 November. Any second interview will take place on Monday 9 December. You will preferably start your employment on 1 January 2025.
We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates.