The Huynen group at the Centre for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics (CMBI) offers a 2-year postdoc for research in system vaccinology of Bordetella pertussis. Bordetella pertussis infection levels and mortality levels are rising, necessitating research into new tools to assess the efficacy of new vaccines. Within the European Periscope project, which is funded by Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) and the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation, we collect molecular (RNAseq), cellular (Eurflow) and immunological data from multiple clinical trials to measure the response to vaccination and infection.

The candidate has a strong bio-computational background and will do comparative analyses of these data in order to detect which short term molecular and cellular observables correlate with various immunological parameters like antibody levels and T-cell responses. That we have data from multiple, parallel trials, allows comparative analyses between them and with data from model species to derive robust models. Furthermore, the multidimensionality of the data allows e.g. de-convolution approaches to delineate the gene expression per cell type and detect the genes whose expression reflects a successful vaccination. 

The candidate will take a leading role in such comparative analyses and in their immunological interpretation and will communicate the results within the CMBI and with the Periscope consortium.

We are looking for a PhD in systems biology and/or bioinformatics and proven research interest into molecular biology with a background in immunology.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. with a proven track record in computational biology / bioinformatics and (preferred)immunology, molecular biology or related areas;
• Proficient in large-scale dataset analysis (e.g. RNA-seq and proteomics data) and experienced in programming;
• A vision to go beyond  first order analyses of ‘omics data to translate them into biological insights and follow up questions;
• Ambition to have a career in science.

You recognise yourself in the Radboud way of working.

Fixed-term contract: 2 years.

Scale 10: max € 58838 gross per year at full employment (incl. vacation bonus and end of year payments)

Radboudumc (university medical center)

Radboudumc strives to be a leading developer of sustainable, innovative and affordable healthcare to improve the health and wellbeing of people and society in the Netherlands and beyond. This is the core of our mission: To have a significant impact on healthcare. To get a better picture of what this entails, check out our strategy film.

Our key strength is medical life-sciences and clinical practice, with an impressive infrastructure comprising state-of-the-art technology platforms and (translational) research facilities. The Radboudumc is therefore uniquely positioned in the emerging Euregio and Dutch healthcare infrastructure to play a leading role in the new healthcare paradigm of prediction, prevention and personalised medicine.

The Radboudumc focuses on scientific health challenges of today, with an eye on emerging diseases of the future.

Read more about what it means to work at Radboudumc and how you can do your part.

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Center for Biomolecular and Molecular Informatics (CMBI)
The CMBI is a bioinformatics centre that has a long experience in the comparative analysis of ‘omics data to obtain biological insights and prioritize experimental follow up. We offer a lively, international environment driven by curiosity and high quality science.