Key Responsibilities
The research group of Prof. Bob van de Water aims to unravel cell signaling programs that underlie adverse xenobiotic-induced adverse responses as well as anticancer drug resistance. In particular, high throughput transcriptomics analysis is applied with innovative co-regulated gene network analysis thus contributing to a system toxicology approach in qualifying and quantifying adverse responses.

We are seeking a candidate with a strong interest in bringing toxicogenomics to the next level by improving its interpretation and dose-response analysis and FAIRification.

In this project the candidate will work on innovative (data) approaches within PARC (Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals), actively participating in further implementation of the co-regulated gene networks framework for chemical hazard assessment. In particular, the candidate will design approaches to improve interpretation of gene co-expression modules, including defining ontologies (connecting to the AOP framework) and implementing benchmark dose analysis for gene network analysis.

In addition, the candidate will be (jointly) responsible for the implementation of PARC FAIR Research Data Management (RDM) policies developed through the PARC project. This includes alignment of the above-described research with FAIR principles, and FAIRification of the OMICS workflow. You will also advise researchers involved in the PARC project on compliance with the FAIR data and Open Science principles in all stages of the research cycle: collection, storage, archiving, and reuse of data. You will provide support in the writing of Research Data Management Plans for the PARC researchers, as well as training, workshops, communication, guidelines, and checklists. You will also contribute to developing an excellent data infrastructure (local, national and international).

The prospective candidate will join an enthusiastic research team of >25 researchers that conduct their work in the context of multiple past and current European-funded projects (EU-ToxRisk, RISK-HUNT3R, eTRANSAFE, TransQST, VHP4Safety, PARC, DISCERN) and grants funded by the EFSA (TD-TRAQ, TXG-MAP), where successful interactions between academia, industry, and regulatory agencies assure excellent scientific and societal impact, as well as a strong support network.

The successful applicant will:

• Contribute to scientific advancements of co-expression methods in the toxicology context, in particular in combination with bench-mark dose analysis;
• Development of interpretation ontology for co-expression methods in the toxicology context, in particular in combination with the AOP framework;
• Contribute to the further developments of the co-expression application TXG-MAPr tool (https://txg-mapr.eu/, R-Shiny);
• Design and apply case studies to demonstrate the value of co-expression methods and the TXG-MAPr tool for risk assessment;
• Implement data management policies and guidelines from the PARC consortium;
• Monitor data management implementation of those policies within work packages (WP5 and WP6) in which Leiden University is involved;
• Develop guidelines and provide training in data management according to the FAIR principles to researchers;
• Be and stay informed about local but also (inter)national developments in the field of FAIR data management;
• Interface with multiple partners in collaborative projects.

Selection criteria

• A PhD degree in bioinformatics, or toxicology but with a strong focus on data analysis and programming;
• Familiarity with data-driven research in an academic environment, including various kinds of qualitative and quantitative research, and combinations thereof;
• Experience with transcriptomic analysis, and knowledge of common bioinformatics tools (experience with network approaches and WGCNA is considered a plus);
• Proficiency in R, and experience with Shiny app development is considered a plus;
• Affinity with open-data and FAIR principles is considered a plus;
• Personal competencies are important in this function: planning and organizing, persuasion, vision development, network skills and quality orientation, communicative, curious, careful, analytical, and team player.

Terms and conditions
We offer a full-time, one year term position, with the possibility of renewal for an additional maximum of three years based on performance. Salary range from € 3.226,- to € 5.090,- gross per month, depending on experience (pay scale 10 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. For more information ( https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions), see the website.

Universiteit Leiden

Our organization
Working at the Faculty of Science means being part of an exciting, dynamic scientific environment that sets high standards for its students and staff. The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is diverse, ranging from computer science, mathematics, astronomy, physics, chemistry, and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences.
The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,300 staff and over 5,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden's Bio Science Park, one of Europe's biggest science parks, where university and business life come together. For more information, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science.