The focus of the project will be to reveal the regulatory logic of cellular decision making in the context of animal development. Specifically, we seek to better understand how precursor cells commit to a specialized cellular fate and how this fate is maintained. To address these questions, we will perform detailed quantitative analyses of native cells during their differentiation trajectory in the model organism C. elegans. The project will incorporate the latest technologies in transcriptome, epigenome, and proteome analysis, and will be carried out in close collaboration with specialists in C. elegans genetics (van den Heuvel, Utrecht University), single-cell analysis (van Oudenaarden, Hubrecht Institute), proteomics (Vermeulen, Radboud University Nijmegen) and computational modeling (ten Tusscher, Utrecht University).

We are looking for an outstanding postdoc who holds a PhD in biology, biomedical sciences, or a related field. The candidate has a strong interest in molecular biology, has preferably worked with genetic model organisms, advanced microscopy and/or bioinformatic data analysis, and has the motivation to work in an ambitious, multidisciplinary and international research team. Fluency in English is a requirement.

Duration: Initially one year with a potential 2 years extension.

Salary: According to “CAO-Nederlandse Universiteiten” (CAO-NU), depending on experience scale 10 excluding 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus. We offer an extensive package of fringe benefits.

Hubrecht Institute

The Hubrecht Institute is a research institute focusing on developmental and stem cell biology. It encompasses 24 research groups that perform fundamental and multidisciplinary research, both in healthy systems and disease models. The Hubrecht Institute is a research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW)., located on the Utrecht Science Park ‘De Uithof’. Since 2008, the institute has been affiliated with the University Medical Center Utrecht, advancing the translation of research into clinical practice. The Hubrecht Institute has a partnership with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL).