You will work at the Molecular Epidemiology section within the department of Biomedical Data Sciences. The aim of your research is to understand how prenatal exposure to famine due to the Dutch Hunger Winter can lead to poorer cardiovascular health later in life. To this end, you will analyze genomics, epigenomics, and other large-scale data. You will apply advanced statistical analyses in R and structure your analyses to ensure reproducibility. In addition, you will generate focused, smaller scale data in the lab. You will participate and present in work discussions, including with our US partners in this research. Based on your work, you will write multiple articles to be submitted for publication in leading scientific journals.

In short

·         You analyze genome and other large-scale data with advanced methods

·         You make measurements on DNA samples

·         You structure data and data analysis according to the latest insights

·         You write authoritative scientific publications

·         You work in an international research team

You hold a master's degree in biomedical, life or health sciences or in a similar field. You have a sharp and creative mind. During your internship(s) you have gained practical experience in analyzing data from human populations, preferably related to genetic or other large-scale omics data using R. You are also able to perform DNA analyses in the lab. In addition, your English is excellent in both speaking and writing.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

You will be given an employment contract for the production of a PhD thesis for the duration of the program with a maximum of four years. The salary amounts to € 2,495 gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of € 3,196 in the last year with fulltime employment (scale Pro, CAO UMC).

LUMC

At the Leiden University Medical Center, we continuously work on improving patient care. We invest in groundbreaking, international research and work with the latest equipment. Together with our team of doctors, medical specialists, teachers, academic researchers and supporting staff, we aim for the best quality in health care, education and international research. And we need you to realize our goals!

Department of Biomedical Data Sciences

You will be embedded in the Molecular Epidemiology section of the Department of Biomedical Data Sciences. One of the main goals of the department is to identify molecular profiles and biological processes that contribute to the understanding of complex diseases and aging. To achieve this, we work with state-of-the-art genomics technologies and advanced methods for data analysis in human biobanks and cell systems. You will work in an environment that stimulates your scientific development and enthusiasm. You will be supervised by prof. dr. Bas Heijmans, whose research group has an excellent international track-record in the field of population epigenomics. The department excels in the analysis of large-scale data. This project offers ample opportunities for international collaboration.