PhD candidate ‘A multi-omics-AI/ML approach to understand the phenotypic diversity in ciliopathies (DC1)

Primary cilia are microtubule-based projections found on the surface of nearly every cell in our body. We know that humans critically depend on cilia to see, hear, smell, breathe, excrete and reproduce. Such activities require a high degree of regulation and critical feedback to ensure robustness in development and homeostasis of different cells, tissues and organs. Dysfunction of cilia causes a broad spectrum of hereditary diseases, but the molecular basis of the phenotypic diversity remains largely unknown. Understanding this multi-level organisation and regulation in health and disease requires integration of unique multidisciplinary expertise.

A consortium of nine different groups from six different European countries have successfully applied for a Marie Sklodowska Curie Action Doctoral Network, coined Cilia-AI. This Cutting-Edge Research and Training Programme will apply machine learning to understand genotype to phenotype relationships in ciliopathies.

The position in my group will focus on a multi-omics-AI/ML approach to understand the phenotypic diversity in ciliopathies by using a state-of-the-art molecular toolbox to determine the key similarities and differences of cilium composition during early development of different tissues in health and disease. As a PhD candidate you will be hosted within the Radboudumc, but, given the nature of the training network, receive a lot of training throughout the different participating institutes. In addition, candidates should perform a three secondments (two months each) within different partners lab, in order to maximize exchange and cooperation between the different groups.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Plan and perform scientific in vitro and in vivo experiments in an independent manner.
• Critically analyze data.
• Take a leading role in writing manuscripts.
• Present data at local, national and international scientific meetings.
• Supervise MSc and/or BSc students.

You must have completed a Master degree in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Developmental Biology, Biochemistry or related field. This project is very suitable for students with a keen interest in developmental cell biology who are motivated to develop AI/ML-based data integration and molecular modelling skills.

You have a strong ambition to succeed in science, be result-oriented, and be able to communicate fluently in English (at least B2-level both orally and in writing). You also should possess a critical scientific attitude and should be able to work both independently as well as in a team.

As per MSCA-DN ruling, candidates that apply for a position within the Netherlands should not have worked, studied or lived within the Netherlands for more than one year during the last three years. The applicant — at the date of recruitment — should not have resided in the country where the research training takes place for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to recruitment, and not have carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in that country.

Anticipated starting date is between 1 May and 1 September 2025. The applicant — at the date of recruitment — should not have resided in the country where the research training takes place for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to recruitment, and not have carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in that country. 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:

• Upon commencement of employment, you will start at scale 10A, step 0 (€ 3.017 based on a full-time appointment). Over a maximum period of 4 years, you will progress to scale 10A, step 3 (€3.824 based on 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.
• 176 vacation hours per year based on a 36-hour working week.

As a PhD candidate you will be positioned within the “Molecular Biology of Ciliopathies” group, led by Prof. Ronald Roepman, that studies the molecular biology of primary cilia in health and disease.

The Department of Human Genetics of the Radboudumc in Nijmegen is internationally renowned for its research and diagnostics on a variety of genetic disorders. The Department offers an exciting working environment with enthusiastic people from many parts of the world, providing ample critical mass and a stimulating, collaborative atmosphere for high quality research.

Radboudumc
Welcome to Radboud university medical center (Radboudumc), where scientific breakthroughs are born through the curiosity and passion of our collaborating researchers in a vibrant environment. We believe trust and excitement are crucial elements to achieving our goals, and we approach our research as teams and with the utmost rigor to make a significant impact on health and healthcare. Our researchers are driven by their fascination with the biological, psychological, and sociological mechanisms underlying health and healthcare. They collaborate with partners from all over the world to improve health outcomes for all. Radboudumc unites patient care, research, education, and corporate learning, which allows us to approach our mission to shape the health and healthcare of the future in an innovative and person-centered way.

Our ambition is to lead the way in the pursuit of prevention, sustainability, meaningful care. We believe that through our research, we can significantly improve the health and well-being of society. Join us on our mission to make a difference in healthcare. Become a part of our community of gifted researchers, professionals or patient partners who are dedicated to making a real impact on population health and healthcare.

Read what it is like to do a PhD at the Radboud University Medical Center.

Any questions? Or wondering what it is like to work at Radboudumc? Then email to Prof. Ronald.Roepman or project manager Cilia-AI Simone Dusseljee. Use the Apply button to submit your application.

See all the positions at other institutes via https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/307802, where candidates can indicate their preference for this, or any of the other 13 positions. For Radboudumc positions, please use the Apply button on the Radboudumc vacancy website.

Any questions? Or wondering what it is like to work at Radboudumc? Then email to Prof. Ronald.Roepman or project manager Cilia-AI Simone Dusseljee. Use the Apply button to submit your application.

See all the positions at other institutes via https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/307802, where candidates can indicate their preference for this, or any of the other 13 positions. For Radboudumc positions, please use the Apply button on the Radboudumc vacancy website.