PhD Position: Single-Cell Computational Biology

1. Introduction

Are you interested in developing more informative computational models? Do you see the challenge in how to reconcile mechanism-based mathematical modelling and machine learning in the era of big, multi-omics data? Then you are the PhD candidate we are looking for!

2. Job description

Current sequencing technologies provide unprecedented resolution into cellular processes at the scale of individual cells. Yet, the size and availability of this data pose novel theoretical and computational challenges. 

As a PhD candidate, you will contribute to the expansion of this knowledge, broadening our understanding of the molecular bases driving development and disease, working at the Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS).

You will have the opportunity to apply a wide range of computational techniques, learn state-of-the-art omics technologies, and develop novel computational approaches to integrate multi-omics big data with a specific focus on the topics of gene regulation, cell differentiation and cell-cell communication.

As part of your PhD training, you will assist in teaching one or two courses per year, typically in the BSc and/or MSc programme in Biology, and supervise BSc and MSc students within the context of your project.

3. Profile

• You have a Master’s degree in a field related to life sciences, for example mathematics, physics, computer science, biology, or medical sciences.
• You have a strong pre-existing knowledge of computational methods (e.g. familiarity with programming languages or numerical methods).
• If you have a background in mathematics, physics, computer science or a related field, you will need to demonstrate a strong interest in the application of these disciplines to cell biology (e.g. by having taken elective courses during your Master’s programme or a biology-oriented Master’s thesis project).
• If you have a background in biology, medical sciences, or a related field, you must demonstrate previous experience in computational biology (e.g. by having taken elective courses during your Master’s programme or a computationally oriented Master’s thesis project).
• You are a highly communicative and team science-minded professional.
• You have a good command of the English language, both verbal and written.

4. We are

As a PhD candidate, you will work in an interactive and multidisciplinary environment in the Molecular Developmental Biology department at RIMLS, where Dr Federico Bocci will be your supervisor. In our lab, we integrate tools from various fields of science including physics, mathematics and bioinformatics. We employ a question-oriented approach whereby we try to study biological phenomena by selecting the best suited computational tool. Additionally, we collaborate with wet-lab biologists, both within and outside RIMLS, to apply and validate these computational methods in collaborative projects.

5. We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract (0.8 FTE 5- year contract - 1.0 FTE 4- year contract) of 1,5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4-year contract) or 3.5 years (5-year contract).
• You will receive a starting salary of €2,670 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,539 from the fourth year onwards (salary scale P).
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus.
• You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Support Service. The Dual Career Programme assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands. Our Family Support Service helps you and your partner feel welcome and at home by providing customised assistance in navigating local facilities, schools, and amenities. Also take a look at our support for international staff page to discover all our services for international employees.
• 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 Federico Bocci. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application.

The first interviews will take place on Monday 25 November. Any second interview will take place on Monday 9 December. You will preferably start your employment on 1 January 2025.

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.