Project
Structural Variants (SVs, chromosomal rearrangements) are highly prevalent in colorectal cancer (CRC) and affect gene function. In this project we aim to detect SVs in recurrently affected genes by using Cergentis' FFPE-TLC technology and investigate the prevalence and impact of SVs in colon tumor development. This position is part of the TargetSV project that will run between 2022-2024 as a collaboration between the Bioinformatics group at the VU, the Translational Gastrointestinal Oncologyat the Dutch Cancer Institute (NKI) and company Cergentis.

Your tasks involve the bioinformatics analysis of NGS DNA and RNA sequencing data to characterize SVs in CRC pathogenesis, publishing scientific research, interacting in a multidisciplinary team at the interface of basic and translational research.

• Requirements:
• An MSc degree in Bioinformatics or Computational Biology
• Preferably: a PhD degree in Bioinformatics or Computational Biology
• A strong interest in biomedical research and translational oncology
• Able to write bioinformatics workflows using Python and R
• Good communication and academic writing skills

A challenging position in a socially involved organisation. On full-time basis the remuneration amounts to a minimum gross monthly salary of €2.846 (scale 10)
and a maximum €4,474 (scale 10), depending on your education and experience. The job profile: is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for at least 0.8 FTE.

The initial employment contract will affect a period of 1 year.
Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

• 8% holiday allowance
• 8.3% end-of-year bonus,
• discount on (and occasionally exclusive access to) theater performances and courses at the Griffioen Cultural Center
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge
• contribution to commuting expenses

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. We strive to be a university where personal development and commitment to society play a leading role. A university where people from different disciplines and backgrounds collaborate to achieve innovations and to generate new knowledge. Our teaching and research encompass the entire spectrum of academic endeavor - from the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 30,000 students. We employ over 5,500 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible and located in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.

Diversity
We are an inclusive university community. Diversity is one of our most important values. We believe that engaging in international activities and welcoming students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds enhances the quality of our education and research. We are always looking for people who can enrich our world with their own unique perspectives and experiences.

The Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science inspires researchers and students to find sustainable solutions for complex societal issues. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to medicines and from molecules to the moon: our teaching and research programmes cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. We share knowledge and experience with leading research institutes and industries, both here in the Netherlands and abroad.

Working at the Faculty of Science means working with students, PhD candidates and researchers, all with a clear focus on their field and a broad view of the world. We employ more than 1,250 staff members, and we are home to around 6,000 students.

Project Team
The TargetSV project is lead by Remond Fijneman (https://www.nki.nl/research/research-groups/remond-fijneman/) in close collaboration with Sanne Abeln (VU University, Amsterdam) and the company Cergentis (Utrecht, the Netherlands).