Postdoc Computational Rheumatology and Immunology

As a postdoc within the Department of Rheumatology and the Leiden Computational Biology Center, you will play a key role in the integration and analysis of omics data collected within the groundbreaking TREAT EARLIER trial. This trial is the first preventive study in the field of rheumatology globally and now includes five years of follow-up data. You will focus on linking the molecular data with clinical data, which is being analyzed by clinical researchers. Additionally, you may integrate imaging data from serial MRI scans in the future, which are processed using deep-learning techniques in the group of Prof. Boudewijn and Dr. Stoel. Your analyses will contribute to understanding how systemic and local inflammatory processes are interconnected in the development of rheumatoid arthritis. The ultimate goal is to build knowledge that will enable the development of targeted treatments for future studies.

Your key tasks are:
• Developing and conducting integrated analyses on epigenetic, genetic, transcriptomic, and proteomic datasets.
• Interpreting and reporting findings in the form of scientific publications.
• Strengthening the connection between clinical and molecular data from the TREAT EARLIER trial.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including clinical researchers and data scientists.
• Contributing to the expansion of analyses with imaging data at a later stage of the project.

You work accurately and independently, but also actively seek collaboration. You enjoy connecting knowledge from different disciplines and have a curious, eager-to-learn attitude. You communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, in both Dutch and English. You show initiative, keep an overview, and possess sharp analytical skills. Your enthusiasm and structured approach make you a valuable colleague within our team.

Furthermore, you have:
• A (nearly) completed PhD in a relevant field.
• Proven experience with immunological research, preferably in rheumatology.
• Experience with analyzing omics data (e.g., epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics).
• Affinity for computational biology and data-driven research.

As a postdoc, your salary will be between €3,598 and €5,669 gross per month (scale 10, CAO UMC). These figures are based on a full-time position.

You will work in a 36-hour per week contract and receive an appointment for a duration of two years. Extension is possible with good performance.

Our offer

Driven by health; that's our mission. This applies not only to our patients but also to our employees. We strive to provide a safe, inclusive and equitable work environment, with a focus on talent development and connected leadership. In order to be able to continue to learn and develop, we offer internal and external training. You are also entitled to an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), holiday allowance, sports budget, bicycle scheme, home office allowance and an excellent commuting allowance. Furthermore, as an employee of LUMC, you are also affiliated with the ABP pension fund. This means that 70% of your pension premium is paid by LUMC, leaving you with a higher net salary. Nice, right?

At the Leiden University Medical Center, we continuously work on improving patient care. We invest in groundbreaking, international research and work with the latest equipment. Together with our team of doctors, medical specialists, teachers, academic researchers and supporting staff, we aim for the best quality in health care, education and international research. And we need you to realize our goals!

You will be part of an enthusiastic and multidisciplinary team of immunologists and clinician-researchers at LUMC, along with data scientists working both at LUMC and at TU Delft (Dr. van den Akker's group, Prof. Reinders). This allows you to benefit from the latest insights on all fronts. You will also collaborate with the research coordinator, data center, secretaries, and other PhDs and postdocs conducting translational research. You will actively participate in weekly meetings for both rheumatology/immunology and data science.

The Department of Rheumatology at LUMC is a leading center for patients with acute and chronic joint diseases and autoimmune diseases. Here, we combine personalized care with innovative scientific research to continuously improve healthcare. Our department is recognized as a ‘Center of Excellence’ by the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) and holds the number one position worldwide according to the Center for World University Rankings. It also has an immunology-focused lab. Additionally, the research group of Prof. Van der Helm has been awarded the Research Center of Excellence by ReumaNederland. In short, you will be working in an inspiring environment where your contribution can truly make a difference! Within this dynamic and ambitious work environment, you will have ample opportunities to develop your own research line.