Postdoc position Immunogenetics

Job description

The immunogenetics group of the UMCG, led by Profs. Iris Jonkers and Sebo Withoff, is looking for a highly motivated junior post-doc interested in studying the role of genetic and environmental factors on immune-mediated disease in general, and especially in celiac disease (CeD). CeD is an immune-mediated, complex genetic disease in which small intestinal inflammation arises from the presence of gluten peptides in the diet. In the past we have conducted a GWAS study in CeD and currently we are investigating the interplay between genetics and environmental factors by studying clinical parameters, questionnaires and multi-omics data layers in the Lifelines biobank and CeD North Netherlands (CeDNN), a CeD patient cohort set-up and analyzed by our group. Moreover, using patient-derived materials from CeDNN participants, we have generated complex model systems using induced pluripotent and adult stem cell derived organoids and immune cells, combined with ‘organ-on-chip’ systems. The systems are queried by the latest genomics techniques (transcriptomics, single cell RNAseq; single cell ATACseq). Because CeD overlaps genetically with other immune-mediated diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes, our results are of broad interest for immune-mediated, complex genetic disorders.

Working environment

The Dept. of Genetic is of the UMCG is an ambitious group where much research is focused on working with population and patient cohort derived data and cells, both bioinformatically and at a molecular biological level. Within our department we conduct clinical, diagnostic, and research programs in a state-of-the-art laboratory and open office environment. The work-environment is highly international: Our researchers have many different nationalities, and we maintain many international collaborations. The Immunogenetics group requires and thrives on close collaboration between the affiliated postdocs, PhD-students, technicians, and internship students internally and on collaborations within the Department and externally. Our PhD students, postdocs and technicians will therefore also be part of the assessment committee. The current project is financed by the NWO Netherlands Organ-on-Chip Initiative program. This is a national program aimed at the development of different tissues-on-chip which just entered its second (and final 5-years phase). As a new member of the program, you will be involved in educational programs and retreats that are organized for the ~30 members of the program providing excellent opportunities for building a network in the organ-on-chip field.

What do we need

We are looking for a highly qualified bioinformatician, ideally close to defending her/his thesis, or who recently defended her/his PhD-thesis. You have experience with genetic association studies, multi-omics data integration analysis, prediction modeling, and/or (single cell) transcriptomics and epigenetics analyses. You are enthusiastic, passionate about science, ambitious, and intrinsically driven to grow in an academic career. The research in our Immunogenetics group is highly interdisciplinary. Our research involves immunology, genetics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, and often multiple people with different skills share authorship positions. Hence it is essential to have excellent English communication and collaboration skills.

The UMCG has a preventive Hepatitis B policy. The UMCG can provide you with the vaccination, should it be required for your position.
In case of specific professions a ‘Certificate of Good Conduct’ is required.

What do we offer

The UMCG offers a fulltime employment contract for the duration of 3 year or a 4 year (28,8 hours a week) 80% appointment. Your salary will be a maximum of € 5.088 gross per month (scale 10), depending on your qualifications and relevant experience, based on a full-time appointment.
In addition, the UMCG will offer you 8% holiday pay, and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centres (CAO-UMC).
The gross salary for a 4 year appointment will be 80% of these amounts. The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labor Agreement for Medical Centers (CAO-UMC).

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