Post-doc Researcher in Spatial Gene Expression in Muscular Dystrophy

Do you have a passion for genetic research and want to contribute to groundbreaking treatments for muscular dystrophies? Do you enjoy working in a multidisciplinary team and possess excellent data analysis skills? Are you driven to make a difference in healthcare? Then read on!

Responsibilities

As a post-doc researcher, you will focus on research into muscular dystrophies, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). In these patients, genetic mutations lead to muscle weakness and progressive loss of motor skills, which can eventually result in wheelchair dependence and death. The loss of strength is reflected by the replacement of muscle mass with fat tissue, affecting the contractile ability of the skeletal muscles. In this project, you will study the spatial distribution of gene expression in muscle tissue to understand the effect of gene therapy and enable the re-expression of a therapeutic copy of the gene. You will work in a multidisciplinary team and interact with molecular biologists, bioinformaticians, radiologists, and neurologists.

Profile

• You hold a PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• A solid background and experience in data analysis.
• Excellent communication skills in English.
• Proficiency in working with the latest sequencing and molecular biology technologies. You also write articles and present data.
• A high level of motivation, perseverance, and a true team player spirit.

Offer

Driven by health; that's our mission. This applies not only to our patients but also to our employees. With Future@Work, we guarantee a pleasant working environment and provide room for development. In order to be able to continue to learn and develop, we offer internal and external training. You are also entitled to an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), holiday allowance, sports budget and bicycle scheme. Furthermore, as an employee of LUMC, you are also affiliated with the ABP pension fund. This means that 70% of your pension premium is paid by LUMC, leaving you with a higher net salary. Nice, right?

Other information

Your workplace

The Department of Human Genetics is a broad-based research department, led by Prof. Dr. Ir. Silvère van der Maarel. Research is conducted here into the genetic and epigenetic aspects of monogenic, multifactorial, and acquired diseases, and the translation to clinical applications. The department consists of 22 research groups, divided into four overarching research lines. Currently, there are approximately 220 (inter)national employees, ranging from professors and students to research analysts and PhD researchers. The project is a collaboration between the Biomarkers group (led by Dr. Pietro Spitali) and the Computational Genomics group (led by Dr. Ahmed Mahfouz). The Biomarker group consists of 8 laboratory members working on various aspects such as spatial transcriptomics, serum proteomics, RNA therapy, and the development of statistical methodology. The Computational Genomics group consists of nine members focusing on developing computational methods to analyze single-cell and spatial genomic data. Both groups collaborate intensively with two shared PhD students, resulting in impactful papers in the field (e.g. Heezen et al. Nature Communications 2023).

More information

• As a post-doc researcher, your salary will be at least €3,493 and at most €5,504 gross per month (scale 10, CAO UMC). These amounts are based on full-time employment.
• This is a one-year contract with the possibility of extension.
• Please provide the names and contact details of two references when submitting your application.
• You can also contact Ahmed Mahfouz, associate professor, Human Genetic, Email: a.mahfouz@lumc.nl Telephone: +31 071 526 95 13
• Applications from employment/recruitment agencies will not be considered.

Pietro Spitali
associate professor, Human Genetic
p.spitali@lumc.nl
+31 071 526 94 37