The research project aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that underlie the pathophysiology of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy at single cell level. You will have the opportunity to apply a combination of single cell epigenomics (ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq) transcriptomics (RNA-seq), genetics, molecular biology and state-of-the-art functional cellular assays, to dissect the heterogeneity of the molecular disease cascade of FSHD. You will work in a highly motivated and multidisciplinary team of genetic, epigenetic and muscle biology researchers studying the pathophysiology of FSHD.

You should have a master’s degree or equivalent in biomedical sciences, molecular biology or related field. A conceptual background in molecular and cellular biology, and experience with the analysis of next generation sequencing data will be a distinct advantage. Permission to carry out experimental animal research (in Dutch: Article 9) is a plus. A flexible work approach and excellent written and oral communication skills (in English) are essential, as well as the ability to work effectively within an international team. Above all, you are enthusiastic, ambitious and result driven.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

You will be employed on the basis of a 36-hour week. Appointment should lead to a PhD thesis and is for a maximum duration of four years. Your salary  is € 2,422 gross per month in the first year, progressing to € 3,103 gross per month in the fourth year based on a full time position (scale Pro of the Collective Labor Agreement for University Hospitals).

The Department of Human Genetics

The Department of Human Genetics is a broadly oriented research department, led by Professor Silvère van der Maarel, focusing on the genetic aspects of monogenic, multifactorial and acquired diseases, and the translation into clinical relevance. The department consists of 21 research units, embedded in four overarching research themes. The FSHD team consists of approximately fifteen highly motivated international scientists who focus on genetic, epigenetic and molecular aspects of FSHD, with the aim to develop a therapy for this incurable disease.