Description of the project: DNA carries the instructions of life, but is also under constant attack. The resulting damage, if not repaired, leads to mutation and disease. Common environmental mutagens include sunlight and cigarette smoke, but the integrity of DNA is also threatened by chemicals produced by our own body. Our labs seek to understand the 1) sources of DNA damage in a physiological setting and 2) molecular mechanisms of DNA repair, and how these prevent mutagenesis. In order to do this, we use genetics in a number of systems, including mice, to modulate metabolism and DNA repair and gain mechanistic insight into how these processes drive mutation. The candidate will set up and run pipelines to map WGS data, call variants and quantify mutation signatures. In addition, the candidate will develop novel tools to study mutation in single cells and ultra-accurate detection of mutation using duplex barcoding methods. The candidate will work closely with members of the Garaycoechea lab and will benefit from the extensive Bioinformatician community at the Hubrecht Institute.

Requirements: We seek a highly motivated Bioinformatician with extensive experience with genomic data analysis and programing/scripting languages. In particular, we seek a candidate with:

• MSc, PhD degree or equivalent in Statistics, Mathematics, Bioinformatics or Life sciences, or related fields. Otherwise a minimum of 3 years experience in next generation sequencing and genomic data analysis
• a good understanding of molecular- and cell-biology
• ability to work independently, but also as part of a tem
• someone with independent attitude to problem-solving who takes initiative
• proficient in data analysis languages; R and Python
• experience with high-performance computing clusters
• the working language in our international teams is English, the candidate should therefore have excellent English communication skills

Fixed-term contract: 1 year with a possibility of extension after good evaluation.

Terms of employment
Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is 2.960 and the maximum salary is 4.670 gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale 10 cao Nederlandse Universiteiten/KNAW). This is exclusive of 8% vacation allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance and pension accrual with ABP.

The KNAW offers its staff an excellent package of secondary benefits. A package that meets the different needs of employees depending on their stage of life, lifestyle or career ambitions. For example, by working an extra two hours a week, it is possible to increase the number of days off from 29 to 41 days a year (with full-time employment).

For a complete overview of the terms of employment, please refer to the web page: werken bij de KNAW.

Hubrecht Institute

About the Hubrecht Institute
The Hubrecht Institute is a research institute focusing on developmental and stem cell biology. At the institute, more than 20 research groups 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) and is 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).

Diversity & Inclusion
The KNAW considers a working environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated of great importance. A working environment in which attention is paid to individual quality and where development opportunities are paramount. Together we strive for an inclusive culture in which we embrace differences. We would therefore like to invite candidates who want to contribute to this through their background and experience. In the event of equal suitability, preference will be given to the candidate who thus enhances diversity within the Academy.

We will not respond to any supplier enquiries based on this job advertisement.