We are looking for a highly motivated person who is excited to push cell biology into a quantitative direction by applying and developing novel (AI-based) image analysis methods. Our ideal candidate feels comfortable in a multidisciplinary group and is eager to learn new methods, tools and concepts ranging from computer science and physics to cell biology. Possible projects will focus on optimizing tracking algorithms for cargo transport in neurons, classification of transport patterns, segmentation, tracing and general image restoration. Available tools are built on ImageJ, deep learning, Bayesian inference and other machine learning techniques. A good understanding of and interest in these tools and programming is required.

To excel in this role, you have:

• a background in physics, computer science, mathematics or cell biology;
• a good command of English, written and spoken.

You can also easily integrate yourself into a multidisciplinary environment and you are curious about image analysis to understand intracellular processes.

• a position for four years with an evaluation after one year;
• a full-time gross salary from €2,325 in the first year to €2,972 in the fourth year in P-scale;
• benefits including 8% holiday bonus and 8.3% end-of-year bonus;
• pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment conditions based on the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities (cao).

In addition to the employment conditions laid down in the cao for Dutch Universities, Utrecht University has a number of its own arrangements. For example agreements on professional development, leave and sports. We also give you the opportunity to expand your personal terms of employment yourself via the Employment Conditions Selection Model. This way we like to encourage you to continue to grow.

More information about working at the Faculty of Science can be found here.

The main goal of the Berger Group is to find quantitative descriptions to understand dynamic processes in cells, such as intracellular transport and cytoskeletal organization. We work in close collaboration with the experimental groups CNB (Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Biophysics) Utrecht, which study these fundamental cellular processes by combining state-of-the-art molecular manipulations together with the newest imaging technologies. These technologies allow for an unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution to observe the fascinating dynamics within living cells. However, to automatically analyze these images and translate them into useable data for quantitative descriptions is a major challenge. To promote diversity, the Berger Group strives to create an environment where people feel comfortable being themselves.

The Department of Biology coordinates the teaching of the Bachelor’s programme in Biology and also several Master’s programmes that are offered through the Graduate Schools of Life Sciences and of Natural Sciences.The department also houses a large number of research chairs. Research in the department falls under aegis of the Institute of Environmental Biology (IEB) and the Institute for Biodynamics and Biocomplexity (IBB).

At the Faculty of Science there are 6 departments to make a fundamental connection with: Biology, Chemistry, Information and Computing Sciences, Mathematics, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Physics. Each of these is made up of distinct institutes which work together to focus on answering some of humanity’s most pressing problems. More fundamental still are the individual research groups – the building blocks of our ambitious scientific projects.

Utrecht University is a friendly and ambitious university at the heart of an ancient city. We love to welcome new scientists to our city – a thriving cultural hub that is consistently rated as one of the world’s happiest cities.We are renowned for our innovative interdisciplinary research and our emphasis on inspirational research and excellent education. We are equally well-known for our familiar atmosphere and the can-do mentality of our people. This lively and inspiring academic environment attracts Professors, Researchers and PhD candidates from all over the globe, making both the university and the Faculty of Science a vibrant international and wonderfully diverse community.