The Faculty of Science and the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research are looking for a:
2 PhD candidates in Bioinformatics Stem Cells-Based Therapies Development
Vacancy number: 22-435
Key responsibilities
The research group of Prof. M. Drukker focuses on stem cell based therapeutics, and novel models for human disease and drug development. High-throughput sequencing methods with a single cell resolution are the key component of this research, and the lab is establishing a bioinformatics subgroup lead by bioinformatics research associate.
PhD candidates will analyse and develop methods to understand the clinical significance of single cell RNA-seq (scRNAseq) and scRNA-seq combined with epigenome sequencing datasets of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells). The projects are multidisciplinary collaborations that focus on innovative stem cell therapies. One project will be carried out in a close collaboration with the medicine evaluation board of the Netherlands, the CBG-MEB, with various cutting edge new therapies Including CRISPR-Cas9 and gene therapy. The collaborative environment includes artificial intelligence research group, stem cell differentiation organoids lab, and microfluidics for cell therapy production via the cluster of companies in the Leiden Bioscience Park.
Selection criteria
• A Master’s degree in bioinformatics, biostatistics or a related field;
• Experience with sequencing data analysis, knowledge of common bioinformatics tools;
• Proficiency in Python, in case of experience in another programming/scripting language willingness to learn Python;
• Strong analytical skills, critical and lateral thinking;
• Strong communication skills in the group and with collaborators;
• Proficiency in English writing;
Our organizations
Working at the Faculty of Science means being part of an exciting, dynamic scientific environment which sets high standards for its students and staff. The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is diverse, ranging from computer science, mathematics, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences.
The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,300 staff and over 5,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together. For more information, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science.
The CBG-MEB is the regulatory authority for (approval of) medicines in the Netherlands, working in close collaboration with the EMA. Besides providing advice to companies on their development plans and assessing their applications for market authorization of medicines, CBG-MEB is keen on stimulating innovation in development of innovative therapies. CBG-MEB has more than 400 employees and is based in Utrecht. For more information, see https://www.cbg-meb.nl/.
Terms and conditions
We offer a full-time, one year term position, with the possibility of renewal for an additional 3 years based on performance. Salary range from € 2.541,- to € 3.247,- gross per month (fulltime, pay scale P, depending on experience), in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).
Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. For more information ( https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions ), see the website.
All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school.
Information
Enquiries can be made to Micha Drukker ( m.drukker@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl ), Ksenia Arkhipova ( k.arkhipova@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl ) or Tineke van den Hoorn ( t.vd.hoorn@cbg-meb.nl ). If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact the secretariat of the Division of Drug Discovery & Safety, Marjolijn Lugthart ( m.j.l.lugthart@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl ).
Applications
To apply for this vacancy, please send an email to Marjolijn Lugthart ( m.j.l.lugthart@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl ).
Please ensure that you upload the following additional document quoting the vacancy number:
• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Research Interests Statement (max a A4 page)
• Transcripts of bachelor and master curriculum courses, including grades
• Preferably 2 reference letters
Only applications received before August 15 2022 can be considered.