Postdoc Position: Epigenetic sex differences in human embryogenesis

1. Introduction

Are you a postdoctoral researcher and fascinated by human embryonic development? And do you believe in the power of embryo models and single-cell omics approaches to functionally characterise sex differences during early human embryogenesis? If so, then this is the job for you! We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join our ZonMW-funded seXY blastoid project to help understand the extent to which the sex chromosomes uniquely contribute to early human embryogenesis.

2. Job description

Increasing evidence suggests that there are critical differences in early embryogenesis between female and male embryos in the first weeks after fertilisation. Most prominently, the sex of the embryo affects the risk of early pregnancy loss. Studying these sex-specific differences is therefore essential but challenging due to the inaccessibility of embryos during early pregnancy and due to the limited availability and ethical concerns with respect to the use of surplus IVF embryos. In this project, you will further develop new embryo-like structures that enable us to comprehensively characterise the differences between early female and male embryos. This research provides scientific insight into how the sex chromosomes control early embryonic development.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will contribute to a ZonMW PSIDER TOP project which aims to use novel stem cell-based embryo models as a proxy to study how sex chromosomes contribute to very early human embryogenesis. You will be expected to lead efforts to understand sex-specific epigenetic regulation during early human embryogenesis, using hESC cell lines and embryo models (blastoids or related models). We need your expertise in applying and integrating various omics approaches (single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics) to identify sex-specific features. You will perform integrative computational analyses of the datasets you generate. As part of your postdoctoral research, you will take part in our medical biology educational programme, assisting in one or two courses per year and supervising BSc and MSc students within the context of your project. Furthermore, we provide a highly conductive environment for you to thrive and to develop novel ideas and work on additional independent projects that align with this research theme.

This project will be carried out at the Department of Molecular Biology, providing in-house omics and bioinformatic facilities and a collaborative, international environment. The Developmental Epigenetics team (headed by Dr Hendrik Marks) has made seminal contributions to our understanding of molecular mechanisms for maintenance and exit of pluripotency in mouse and human. Our team develops and integrates innovative (single-cell) multi-omics technologies to understand embryogenesis. Furthermore, we are actively improving in vitro models for more accurate understanding of embryonic development.

3. Profile

• You hold a PhD in molecular or systems biology, developmental biology, or a related field.
• You have hands-on experience in one or several of the following areas: organoids or embryo models, genome-wide approaches (sequencing-based, proteomics), transcriptomics, single-cell analysis and/or computational embryology.
• You have a strong science-driven curiosity and affinity with fundamental research related to genome regulation, human ESCs/ embryonic model systems and/or early embryonic development.
• You are highly motivated to work in an interdisciplinary environment at the cutting edge of science.
• You possess strong analytical skills and have a problem-solving, goal-oriented attitude.
• You are a highly communicative and team science-minded professional who is able to collaborate with experimental and computational biologists.
• You are willing to work flexible schedules.
• You have a good command of the English language, both verbal and written.

4. We are

The Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS) is a leading interfaculty research institute of the faculties of Science (FNWI) and Medicine (Radboud university medical center). The central research theme is regulation of gene expression during development and in health and disease. Research areas of RIMLS-FNWI include epigenetics, stem-cell and developmental biology, and computational biology. Important tools used by the institute include next-generation sequencing, mass spectrometry, single-cell multi-omics analysis and computational analysis. To perform state-of-the-art research, RIMLS-FNWI operates its own wet-lab and computational facilities. Within the ZonMW-funded seXY blastoid project, you will work closely together with other members of the institute who apply human embryo-like models, including blastoids.

Furthermore, you will benefit from the established international network of the team of Hendrik Marks on embryo-like models, including more clinical labs. RIMLS-FNWI actively contributes to teaching activities in the Biology programme at Radboud University. The RIMLS-FNWI institute currently consists of 50 researchers (including 30 PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers) and provides a vivid and international working environment. The institute actively participates in international consortia and collaborations.

5. We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract of two years with the prospect of an indefinite contract.
• Your salary within salary scale 10 depends on your previous education and number of years of (relevant) work experience. The amounts in the scale are based on a 38-hour working week.
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus.
• We offer Dual Career Coaching. The Dual Career Coaching assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20.

6. Practical information and applying

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Hendrik Marks. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application.

The first interviews will take place on Wednesday 9 July. Any second interview will take place on Friday 11 July. You will preferably start your employment on 1 September.

We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates.