Diet is a major factor in cardiovascular and metabolic health but the molecular pathways that determine an individual’s response to diet remain poorly characterized. As a PhD student you will perform studies in human cohorts to identify the epigenetic changes that are induced by diet and are responsible for long-term changes in disease risk.

You will be responsible for generating and analyzing new genome-wide DNA methylation data of multiple tissues from individuals who underwent a dietary intervention. You will integrate the DNA methylation data with multiple other omics data types (genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic data) to gain in-depth understanding of the functional impact of the diet-induced epigenetic changes you identified. Furthermore, you will be using large-scale studies to scrutinize how the epigenetic changes influence long-term disease risk. This work will be done within an international consortium consisting of research institutes in London, Paris, Munich, and Madrid. Hence, this position will be a great opportunity for international collaboration.

You hold a master’s degree in (Medical) Biology, Life Sciences or a comparable subject. You have demonstrable affinity with statistical/bioinformatical data-analysis, can effectively collaborate with researchers from other disciplines, and have a sharp and creative mind. Experience with software for data-analysis (preferably ‘R’) and for analysis of data generated by genome technologies (e.g. array platforms and next-generation sequencing) will be an advantage. If you recognize yourself in this profile, we look forward to receiving your application. Please, make sure to include a personal statement of interest.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

You will be employed on the basis of a 36-hour week. Appointment is for a maximum of four years, to be completed with a doctoral thesis. Your salary is € 2,357 gross per month in the first year, amounting to € 3,020 in the fourth year (scale PhD students, CAO-UMC).

LUMC

At the Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), we are continually seeking to improve the quality of healthcare. The LUMC aims for excellence in patient care, research, teaching, training and continuing education.

http://www.lumc.nl/

Department of Biomedical Data Sciences

A main objective of researchers at the Department of Biomedical Data Sciences is to identify molecular profiles and biological pathways that increase our understanding of complex diseases and, eventually, increase the prospect of healthy ageing. To this end, we apply state-of-the-art genome technologies and advanced data-analysis methods in human biobanks and cell model systems. You will work in an environment that stimulates your scientific development and enthusiasm for research. You will be based in the Molecular Epidemiology section and supervised by Dr. Bas Heijmans, who has an excellent international track record in epigenetics and integrative genomics, and Prof. Eline Slagboom, who is internationally leading in ageing research. You will be embedded in a department with outstanding expertise in the analysis of large-scale data. Internationally, you will work with front-running groups in the field of functional and population epigenomics.