The Ten Tusscher lab currently offers  a postdoctoral research position in Computational Developmental Biology. The focus of the project will be to reveal the regulatory logic of cellular decision making in the context of animal development. Specifically, we seek to better understand how precursor cells commit to a specialized cellular fate, choose between distinct cellular fates, and coordinate fate decisions with a permanent arrest of cell division. To address these questions, we will develop quantitative dynamic models of cell fate decisions within developing tissues. Aim of the project is to reveal the key players and architecture of the regulatory network they constitute, the signaling between cell types and across tissues, to decipher how all of this together shapes cell fate decisions. Developed models will be based on high quality, detailed experimental data obtained through the latest technologies in transcriptome, epigenome, and proteome analysis as well as detailed tracking of cell divisions. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with specialists in C. elegans development (van den Heuvel lab, UU, Korswagen lab, Hubrecht Institute), single-cell analysis (Korswagen and van Oudenaarden labs, Hubrecht Institute), and proteomics techniques (Vermeulen lab, Radboud University Nijmegen).
You become part of the highly interactive Computational Biology community at Utrecht University. You will  interact daily with fellow Researchers in the Theoretical Biology and Bioinformatics group, and meet regularly with our consortium partners at the Developmental Biology group, Hubrecht Institute and Radboud University.

We are looking for a curious and dedicated candidate who has a strong interest in mathematical modeling and computational biology in the context of developmental biology and gene regulation. We would also like you to bring the following qualifications:

• a PhD degree in Computational Biology, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or a related field;
• previous experience with independent research;
• demonstrated experience with data analysis, modeling, numerical mathematics and programming;
• trained in scientific writing, communication and presentation in English;
• motivated to work in a dynamics, multidisciplinary and international research team.

• a position for a year, that can be prolonged after a positive evaluation;
• embedding in a great team of top Computational Biologists and Life Sciences Researchers;
• a full-time gross salary, depending on previous qualifications and experience, that ranges between €2,960 and €4,670 per month (scale 10) Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities;
• 8% holiday bonus and 8.3% end-of-year bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment conditions (based on the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities).

In addition to the employment conditions laid down in the cao for Dutch Universities, Utrecht University has a number of its own arrangements. For example, there are agreements on professional development, leave arrangements and sports. We also give you the opportunity to expand your terms of employment yourself via the Employment Conditions Selection Model. This way we like to encourage you to continue to grow.

For more information, please visit working at the Faculty of Science.

Research in the Theoretical Biology & Bioinformatics division makes use of a wide range of different data analysis and modeling strategies to decipher the mechanisms underlying biological processes. Research subjects range from plant development and adaption, to the functioning of the immune system, and the evolution of complexity. Together with the Developmental Biology and Cell Biology groups the Theoretical Biology and Bioinformatics group forms the Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity (IBB), and is part of the Department of Biology of the Faculty of Science at Utrecht University.
Research within the Department of Biology is organized in two institutes: the Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity (IBB), and the Institute of Environmental Biology (IEB). The Department of Biology coordinates teaching in the Bachelor’s Biology programme, as well as the Master’s programmes and PhD courses that are offered via the Graduate School of Life Sciences.

At the Faculty of Science there are 6 departments to make a fundamental connection with: Biology, Chemistry, Information and Computing Sciences, Mathematics, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Physics. Each of them is made up of distinct institutes which work together to focus on answering some of humanity’s most pressing problems. More fundamental still are the individual research groups - the building blocks of our ambitious scientific projects.

Utrecht University is a friendly and ambitious university at the heart of an ancient city. We love to welcome new scientists to our city – a thriving cultural hub that is consistently rated as one of the world’s happiest cities. We are renowned for our innovative interdisciplinary research and our emphasis on inspirational research and excellent education. We are equally well-known for our familiar atmosphere and the can-do attitude of our people. This fundamental connection attracts Researchers, Professors and PhD candidates from all over the globe, making both the university and the Faculty of Science a vibrant international and wonderfully diverse community.