The genome diagnostics division of the department of genetics is one of the front-runners in the implementation of novel genetic technologies for improving patient diagnostics. In particular, Exome (WES) and whole genome sequencing (WGS) are currently implemented for genetic testing of more than 7000 patients with genetic diseases per year. In order to obtain a genetic diagnosis these data are interpreted by a laboratory specialist using a wide-variety of information of the patient phenotype, known disease genes, and the genetic profile of the patient. However, this (1) requires a substantial amount of time from the specialist, which (2) results in large turn-around times for these tests and (3) these analyses are prone to human error. The Artificial Intelligence department aims at automating such procedures using machine learning techniques. In particular, the department specializes in the construction of novel algorithms that provide Bayesian probabilistic predictions, based on the integration of multiple large-scale data modalities.

We are looking for a PhD candidate who combines expertise in the field of genetics and artificial intelligence and is able integrate this wealth of available data in order to automatically diagnose patients with genetic diseases.

Additional information about the research group and publications can be found here:
https://www.radboudumc.nl/en/people/christian-gilissen-phd
http://www.researcherid.com/rid/E-5246-2012

You have a master degree, or equivalent in the area of artificial intelligence/machine learning and are interested in applying these techniques in real-life situations to help and improve patient diagnostics. You are goal-oriented and a team-player with experience in programming (java/python), Linux and statistics. Ideally, you have some background in the field of genetics and genomics.

Fixed-term contract: 4 year contract.

Upon commencement of employment we require a certificate of conduct (Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag, VOG) and there will be, depending on the type of job, a screening based on the provided cv. Radboud university medical center's HR Department will apply for this certificate on your behalf.

Read more about the Radboudumc employment conditions and what our International Office can do for you when moving to the Netherlands.

Radboudumc

The genome bioinformatics group develops novel bioinformatics methods to improve the interpretation of genome variation, and implements and applies bioinformatics methods for large-scale genomics data to identify novel genetic causes of disease and the mechanisms behind them. The genome bioinformatics group is part of the department of genetics, which is one of the largest genetics departments in the Europe with more than 300 employees. The Genome Research division has >100 employees, who work under the umbrella of 20 individual research groups. Our research, which is strong in the areas of genomics, methods development, cell and animal models, as well as the investigation of mechanisms leading to monogenic and multifactorial diseases, is regularly published in high-ranking journals. The successful candidate will also be embedded in the Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS) research school.

In addition, the successful candidate will be embedded in the Donders Centre for Cognition (DCC) and the Artificial Intelligence (AI) department, both part of the Faculty of Social Sciences. The Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour is home to more than 700 researchers from 35 countries who collaborate in an open community and share the goal of contributing to the advancement of the brain, cognitive and behavioural sciences through investigator-driven research, and improving health, education and technology by applying scientific insights.

Lastly, the successful candidate will be embedded in the Innovation center for artificial intelligence (ICAI) lab "Radboud AI for Health".

Radboudumc
Radboudumc strives to be a leading developer of sustainable, innovative and affordable healthcare to improve the health and wellbeing of people and society in the Netherlands and beyond. This is the core of our mission: To have a significant impact on healthcare. To get a better picture of what this entails, check out our strategy.

Read more about what it means to work at Radboudumc and how you can do your part.