The mission of the Chair of Plant Functional Genomics is to understand the molecular basis of plant traits that are relevant to society. These traits can be related to resilience to climate change as well as crop quality aspects such as the presence of health components or nutritional value. Our philosophy is that understanding traits in breeding germplasm will help breeders select for better plants and define strategies to improve crops through the application of new breeding technologies. Our mission is to use our research to make a difference in breeding. To enhance the capabilities of the Plant Functional Genomics Chair, we are looking for an outstanding bioinformatician with an affinity for plant functional genomics to bridge the gap between computational methods and plant biology, and make valuable contributions to the field of genomics.

The Brightlands Future Farming Institute (BFFI) at Greenport Campus Venlo is in the south of the Netherlands. The campus is currently developing a strong knowledge base to facilitate education, research, and innovation in an interdisciplinary environment.

You will be expected to develop your own line of research and a proven track record of successful grant applications is preferred. As an Assistant Professor in Plant Genome Bioinformatics, your experience should include the analysis of high-throughput genomics and multi-omics data. Familiarity with biological databases and their application in plant sciences is a must. In-depth knowledge of bioinformatics and systems biology algorithms, coupled with expertise in workflow management systems, is highly valued. You'll be familiar with high performance computing, cloud storage, GPU programming and have experience with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and GitHub.

While at Campus Venlo, you will also work with the Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology (MaCSBio), an interdisciplinary research centre that aims to integrate and model biological data from different empirical domains using both data-driven and theory-driven analysis and modelling approaches.

Are you a pioneer in bioinformatics and/or informatics? We're looking for a highly qualified individual with a PhD in bioinformatics or a related field. You should have a track record of research publications in plant science or related fields. As a candidate, you should also have a proven track record of managing your own research and supervising graduate and undergraduate students.

Teaching experience is an advantage, and you must be prepared to obtain the University Teaching Qualification (UTQ). The Chair Plant Functional Genomics contributes to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in which you will participate. In this context, you will teach using the problem-based learning approach that Maastricht University uses as a basis for all education. Therefore, you must be fluent in English. In addition, you will be motivated to supervise students in research-based learning during project periods and final theses.

What we offer

As an Assisatnt Professor at Faculty of Science & Engineering, you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:

• Good employment conditions. The position is graded in scale 11 - 12 according to UFO profile Assistant Pofessor 2-1, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €4332,00 and €6737,00 gross per month (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
• An employment contract for a period of 12 months with a scope of 1,0 FTE. Upon proven suitability, the employment contract will be converted to an indefinite contract.
• At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, namely carnival Monday, carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model.
• As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students.
• Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as 'acknowledge and appreciate'.
  The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply.

Maastricht University

Why work at Maastricht University?
At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research.

In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers.

With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community.

Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute however your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together.

Faculty of Science and Engineering
At the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE), we focus on themes such as circularity and sustainability, future farming, digitisation and (scientific) instrument development. FSE's leading projects, like the Einstein Telescope Pathfinder, are sure to grab anyone's attention. The faculty is a vibrant hub of education and research in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS). At FSE, over 450 staff members and 3700 students gather to explore e exciting interdisciplinary research and educational programmes. Feel welcome, be part of our team and put your brilliant mind to work!

FSE at the Brightlands Campuses
Maastricht, Sittard-Geleen, Heerlen, and Venlo, the home of four creative Brightlands campuses, are bustling with 30,000 entrepreneurs, researchers, and students working diligently to solve global challenges. The Faculty of Science and Engineering is active on all four Brightlands campuses, and this is where our impact reaches its peak. To give you an idea of what is happening at each campus: Sittard-Geleen is home to the largest chemical site in the Euregion, while Venlo is a large hub for agri-food innovation. Maastricht is the site of the Health Campus, and Heerlen is the place to be for Smart Services.