Data Scientist 'AI-based tools to study mosquito behavior'

We seek an outstanding computational researcher to join our vector biology team. We take an integrated experimental and computational approach to explore the principles that underlie the transmission of vector-borne pathogens. You will work closely with team members and international collaborators to develop machine learning and computer vision tools to study mosquito and tick behavior.

Advances in computer vision and machine learning are pushing the observation of animal behavior into the realm of 'big data': An animal's interactions with its environment can be recorded at high spatiotemporal resolution, and machine learning tools enable detailed behavior analysis from video data. Combined with experimental environments that mimic relevant scenarios, these approaches present exciting opportunities to study animal behavior.

As an example of our recent work, we developed a transparent skin mimic that allows high-resolution imaging and tracking of blood feeding mosquitoes (the 'biteOscope'). Together with (international) industry partners, you will develop and implement new AI-based tools for object detection, pose estimation, segmentation, and (un)supervised behavioral classification to characterize the behavior of (infected) mosquitoes and ticks directly from video data. The implementation of these computational tools and associated hardware will aid the discovery of new mosquito and tick repellents, provide insight into the 3D flight behavior of mosquitoes, and help understanding how mosquitoes decide where/who to bite.

We believe in team science and candidates with different backgrounds and academic interests are invited to apply. We are looking for an enthusiastic MSc graduate with a passion for machine learning and computer vision. Our ideal candidate has an open and creative mind, an affinity for quantitative biology, and a passion for solving problems using unconventional approaches.

In addition you fit the profile below:

• A master's degree in computer science, AI/Data science, (bio)physics, quantitative biology or a related discipline.
• Strong programming skills in Python.
• Experience in designing and evaluating machine learning models.
• Good communication skills and English proficiency.
• Affinity with hardware development (e.g. machine vision, raspberry pi) would be ideal.

Your start date is preferably 1 February 2024. At Radboud university medical center, you build on your future. We are committed to providing the best care, education, and research. And we are true to our word, because we help you develop and seize opportunities and give you the room to grow. As an employer, we believe that employees should feel vital and happy at work in all stages of life. We are also committed to creating a healthy and safe working environment. Our employment conditions contribute to that. What we offer:

• A gross monthly salary in scale 10 between € 3.359 and € 5.292 (for a full-time appointment). You will also receive an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and a 47% to 72% bonus for working unsocial hours.
• Plenty of opportunities for personal development. You can take a variety of courses in our online learning environment. You can also share knowledge with colleagues through digital learning spaces – perfect for getting inspired and inspiring others.
• Your well-being and vitality are a priority. For example, we have our own sports facilities and a Healthy Professionals program to help you manage your energy. And if you are going through a life-changing event, our Company Support Team and a personal coach are there to help you.
• Support in achieving a good work-life balance at every stage of your life. This includes advice and training courses (from ‘Millennial Dilemmas’ to ‘Your Career After 57’), activities at our own mindfulness center, and informal caregiving consultations if you have questions about juggling work and caregiving responsibilities at home.
• 168 holiday hours per year (23 days) based on a 36-hour working week.
• The option of taking national holidays at other times of the year.
• 26 weeks of parental leave, nine of which are paid.
• A good collective pension scheme with a 70% reimbursement of your pension premium.
• Discounts on health insurance and ten other types of insurance, from home insurance to legal assistance.
• An allowance for your travel expenses or a working-from-home allowance of €2 per day.

Within the Radboud University Medical Center, the department of Medical Microbiology is home to a vibrant community of research groups with expertise in the entire spectrum of mosquito and pathogen research. You will join the vector biology team, led by Dr. Felix Hol and work alongside a diverse group of experimental and computational researchers. The institute has excellent infrastructure for computational science, video setups to monitor insect behavior, a FabLab, and advanced experimental facilities to study mosquitoes and the pathogens they transmit.

Radboudumc
Radboud university medical center is a university medical center for patient care, scientific research, and education in Nijmegen. Radboud university medical center strives to be at the forefront of shaping the healthcare of the future. We do this in a person-centered and innovative way, and in close collaboration with our network. We want to have a significant impact on health and healthcare. We want to improve with each passing day, continuously working towards better healthcare, research, and education. And gaining a better understanding of how diseases arise and how we can prevent, treat, and cure them, day in and day out. This way, every patient always receives the best healthcare, now and in the future. Because that is why we do what we do.