Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex autoimmune disease that is caused, in part, by the genetic background of patients. Approximately 200 genetic loci have been linked to MS. In each of these loci, dozens to hundreds of SNPs can be potentially causative for the disease. Moreover, the SNPs located in these genetic loci are predominantly found in the non-coding genome, potentially affecting gene expression in disease-specific cell types. The goal of the project is to identify which MS-associated SNPs are able to change gene expression in a cell-type-specific manner using state-of-the-art NGS methods. Using these prioritized SNPs, you will fine-tune expression Quantitative Trait Locus (eQTL) analysis of our large in-house eQTL databases to identify genes and networks affected by SNPs in a cell-type-specific manner. Finally, in collaboration with neurobiology groups within the UMCG, you will validate candidate SNPs and genes in the appropriate cell models. Ultimately, your work will elucidate the genetic underpinnings of MS, paving the way towards better, genetics-based treatments of this devastating disease.

This project is a three-year project supported by a grant from the MS research foundation. You will carry out the project by performing experiments in the lab and analyzing the NGS data generated in collaboration with bioinformaticians within the department. Due to the collaborative and multi-disciplinary nature of the project, strong communication and interaction skills are a must.

We are seeking an ambitious postdoc to contribute to an innovative and interdisciplinary immunogenetics project. All applicants should have:
- a PhD in molecular or medical biology, immunology, genetics, or a comparable discipline;
- competence with molecular biology and genomics techniques;
- experience with statistics and bioinformatics analysis of genomic data;
- excellent communication skills;
- excellent knowledge of English;
- the ability to work independently in a multi-disciplinary environment.

The UMCG has a preventive Hepatitis B policy. The UMCG can provide you with the vaccination, should it be required for your position.

In case of specific professions a ‘Certificate of Good Conduct’ is required.

You will be appointed as a postdoc in the Dutch University job-ranking system (UFO). The duration of the postdoc project is 3 years, with a 1-year trial period.

Your salary will be a maximum of € 4.615,- gross per month (scale 10), depending on your qualifications and relevant experience, based on a full-time appointment. In addition, the UMCG will offer you 8% holiday pay, and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centres (CAO-UMC). English: http://www.nfu.nl/english/about-the-nfu/

More information
For more information about this vacancy please contact:
- dr. Iris Jonkers, phone number: +31 6 3655 6171, e-mail address: i.h.jonkers@umcg.nl (please do not use e-mail address for applications)

Genetica

The Department of Genetics at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) is a highly interdisciplinary department working on how genetic and environmental risk factors cause disease, with a special focus on common complex diseases. To build an understanding of how genetic variation leads to disease, we are applying our expertise in bioinformatics, functional genomics and experimental validation, supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure. Our goal is to develop personalized treatments and preventive strategies that preserve health.

You will be part of the immunogenetics group within the UMCG Department of Genetics, which focusses on exploring the role of SNPs, genes and specific cell types in the context of autoimmune diseases. We are a collaborative, energetic multi-disciplinary group with many national and international collaborations. We use genomics strategies such as (single cell-)RNAseq and ATACseq and innovative technologies like Survey-of-Regulatory-Elements (SuRE) and intricate organ-on-chip model systems to incorporate the biological context of disease into our research.