Postdoc Position: Cellular Communication in Blastoid Models of Early Human Development

Employment 1.0 FTE

Gross monthly salary € 3,345 - € 5,278

Required background PhD

Organizational unit Faculty of Science

Application deadline 30 September 2024

Are you a team-oriented postdoctoral researcher with an interest in molecular developmental biology and single-cell genomics? Would you like to learn and work in a multidisciplinary team in an innovative laboratory environment? Then join the lively and world-class RIMLS-Science Institute and work towards understanding the mechanisms driving cellular behaviour using state-of-the-art human embryo models and single-cell multi-omics technologies. 

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team to study pre- and peri-implantation human development using stem cell-derived blastoid models in the context of a national PSIDER consortium funded by the Dutch Medical Research Council (ZonMW). In this project you will apply state-of-the-art stem-cell derived human blastoid embryo models and single-cell multi-omics techniques to study cellular communication and behaviour at different stages of development. Within our group you will take a leading role in the project and closely collaborate with computational biologists. As a member of the PSIDER consortium you will be able to develop your scientific leadership skills set by contributing a team containing diverse expertise. Moreover, within the scientific community at the RIMLS-Science institute and the Department of Molecular Developmental Biology, you will be supported to learn, grow and prepare for the next steps in your career.

Profile

In your cover letter, please incorporate the following points, including specific examples where possible:

• PhD degree in molecular or cellular biology, biomedical sciences, molecular life sciences or a related field.
• Experience in one or several of the following areas is required: human embryonic stem cell culture, 3D cell culture techniques (e.g. organoids, gastruloids, etc).
• Experience or affinity with (single-cell) genomics data generation/analysis would be beneficial.
• Strong analytical skills and a problem-solving, result-oriented attitude.
• Highly communicative and team science-minded professional.
• Good command of the English language, both verbal and written.

We are

This project will be executed at the Department of Molecular Developmental Biology. Research in our team (headed by Dr Klaas Mulder) currently focuses on understanding what determines cellular responses/behaviour in developmental and disease contexts. Our team has a strong background in human stem cell biology and in the development and application of innovative single-cell multi-omics technologies.

The department of Molecular Developmental Biology is part of the Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS-Science), which is one of the six research institutes of the Faculty of Science at Radboud University.

The overarching aim of RIMLS-Science is to decipher molecular mechanisms of disease. Research areas of RIMLS-Science include epigenetics, stem cell and developmental biology, and computational biology. The central research theme is regulation of gene expression during development and in health and disease. Important tools used within the institute include next-generation sequencing, mass spectrometry, single-cell (multi-omics) analysis, and computational analysis and method development. To perform state-of-the-art research, RIMLS-Science operates its own wet-lab and computational facilities. This fundamental and applied research in medical biology and molecular life sciences has clear links to biochemical research performed at the Institute for Molecules and Materials and other institutes of the Faculty of Science as well as to more clinically oriented research programmes at departments within the Radboud university medical center. RIMLS-Science actively contributes to teaching activities in the Biology study programme at Radboud University. RIMLS-Science currently has about 50 researchers (including 30 PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers) and provides a vibrant and international working environment.

Radboud University

At Radboud University, we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research, providing high-quality education, offering excellent support, and fostering collaborations within and outside the university. In doing so, we contribute indispensably to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. To accomplish this, we need even more colleagues who, based on their expertise, are willing to search for answers. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Will you also contribute to making the world a little better? You have a part to play.

If you want to learn more about working at Radboud University, follow our Instagram account and read stories from our colleagues.

Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science (FNWI), part of Radboud University, engages in groundbreaking research and excellent education. In doing so, we push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and pass that knowledge on to the next generation.

We seek solutions to major societal challenges, such as cybercrime and climate change and work on major scientific challenges, such as those in the quantum world. At the same time, we prepare our students for careers both within and outside the scientific field.

Currently, more than 1,300 colleagues contribute to research and education, some as researchers and lecturers, others as technical and administrative support officers. The faculty has a strong international character with staff from more than 70 countries. Together, we work in an informal, accessible and welcoming environment, with attention and space for personal and professional development for all.

We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract of 2 years.
• 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.
• 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.

Additional employment conditions

Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions reflect this. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself. For example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports membership. And, of course, we offer a good pension plan. We also give you plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

Practical information and applying

You can apply only via the button below. Applications will be reviewed throughout the procedure; if you are the right candidate, you might be contacted before the closing date.

Address your letter of application to Dr. Klaas Mulder. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application.

The first interviews will take place on the 16th of October 2024. Any second interview will take place end of October/start of November 2024 You will preferably start your employment in January 2025, or sooner if agreed upon.

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. If you wish to apply for a non-scientific position with a non-EU nationality, please take notice of the following information.