A PhD Candidate in the context of the Marie Curie ITN network EpiSyStem is available to study epigenetic regulation of gene expression in differentiated embryonic stem cells. Various omics approaches next-generation sequencing, interaction proteomics will be used in the project, as well as advanced cell-culture models such as gastruloids.

You will use 'wet-lab' state-of-the-art epigenetic and biochemical techniques and a range of sequencing-based approaches, including single-cell RNA-seq and (singe cell) epigenetic mapping strategies. The large datasets will be analysed using computational approaches, supported by our in-house computational biology unit. The project is embedded within an ambitious and interactive research department, while there are ample opportunities for collaboration within and outside the Netherlands.
As part of your PhD training, you will take part in our medical biology educational programme, for which you will assist in one or two courses per year and will supervise BSc and MSc students within the context of your project.

Marie Curie positions have two compulsory eligibility criteria:
• Applicants must meet the Mobility Rule of the Marie Curie programme: at the time of recruitment by Radboud University, a candidate may not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the recruitment date.
• Applicants must have had less than four years full-time equivalent research experience (measured from the date when they obtained the degree entitling them to embark on a doctorate) and must not have already obtained a doctoral degree.

• An MSc degree or equivalent in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry or biomedical sciences.
• Highly motivated to work in an interdisciplinary environment at the cutting edge of science.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential, as is a willingness to work flexible.
• A strong science-driven curiosity and affinity with fundamental research related to human ESCs, early embryonic development and embryonic model systems.
• Hands-on experience in genome-wide approaches (proteomics/sequencing) and knowledge of bioinformatics analysis are highly advantageous.
• Fluency in English is required.

Fixed-term contract: you will be appointed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4 year contract).

• Employment:  1.0 FTE.
• The gross starting salary amounts to €2,395 per month based on a 38-hour working week, and will increase to €3,061 from the fourth year (salary scale P).
• In addition to the salary: an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Duration of the contract: you will be appointed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years.
• The intended start date is 1 August 2021.
• Your teaching load may be up to 10% of your appointment.
• You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Care Services. Our Dual Career and Family Care Officer can assist you with family-related support, help your partner or spouse prepare for the local labour market, provide customized support in their search for employment  and help your family settle in Nijmegen.
• Have a look at our excellent employment conditions. They include a good work-life balance (among other things because of the excellent leave arrangements), opportunities for development and a great pension scheme.

Radboud University

We want to get the best out of science, others and ourselves. Why? Because this is what the world around us desperately needs. Leading research and education make an indispensable contribution to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. This is what unites the more than 22,000 students and 5,000 employees at Radboud University. And this requires even more talent, collaboration and lifelong learning. You have a part to play!

Faculty of Science

The Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS) is a leading interfaculty research institute of the faculties of Science (FNWI) and Medicine (Radboud university medical center). The overarching aim of RIMLS is to decipher molecular mechanisms of disease. Research areas of RIMLS-FNWI include epigenetics, stem-cell and developmental biology, and computational biology. The central research theme is regulation of gene expression during development and in health and disease. Important tools used within the institute include next-generation sequencing, mass spectrometry, single-cell (multi-omics) analysis and computational analysis and method development. To perform state-of-the-art research, RIMLS-FNWI operates its own wet-lab and computational facilities. This fundamental and applied research in medical biology and molecular life sciences has clear links to biochemical research performed at the Institute for Molecules and Materials and other institutes of the Faculty of Science as well as to more clinically oriented research programmes at departments within the Radboud university medical center. RIMLS-FNWI actively contributes to teaching activities in the Biology study programme at Radboud University. RIMLS-FNWI currently has about 50 researchers (including 30 PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers) and provides a vivid and international working environment. The institute actively participates in many European and worldwide consortia and collaborations.