[BBC] Vacancy Researcher Bioinformatics for Metabolomics

[Ham, Roeland van]

Researcher Bioinformatics for Metabolomics

Wageningen Universiteit & Research Centre, Plant Research International
Wageningen (The Netherlands), 36 hours per week
Reference number: 08.Biosc.04-A

Background: 
Metabolomics is a rapidly evolving functional genomics technology that aims to provide a comprehensive, qualitative and quantitative characterization of the biochemical composition of a biological sample. With the increasing sophistication and throughput of current high-resolution mass spectrometry platforms used in metabolomics, the resulting datasets are becoming ever larger and more complex. This not only calls for powerful software tools with which data can be processed and managed prior to their statistical analysis and biological interpretation, but also calls for the use of dedicated workflow management with which robust, extensible and reusable computational pipelines can be built, maintained and exchanged between researchers. Within the context of the BioAssist programme, the Netherlands Bioinformatics Centre (NBIC) in collaboration with the Netherlands Metabolomics Centre (NMC) aims to develop a Metabolomics support platform based on an advanced ICT infrastructure, a metabolomics data warehouse and webservices and workflow management technology. This will be achieved by a network of scientists and scientific programmers collaborating in the BioAssist <http://www.nbic.nl/support/bioassist/>  programme of NBIC. 

Job description: A position for a researcher is available in the Bioinformatics group at Plant Research International (PRI) to participate as scientific programmer in the development of the BioAssist metabolomics support platform. Within PRI this development is central to various projects related to bioinformatics for metabolomics and the candidate is expected to take a proactive and coordinating role in this area. Specific tasks will include the implementation and further development of the data warehouse Metware <http://metware.wiki.sourceforge.net/>  and development of standards and webservices for existing metabolomics software tools and their implementation in the workflow management system Taverna. 

Profile: We are looking for a communicative team player with:
*	A recent PhD in chemoinformatics, chemometrics, bioinformatic or related area 
*	Advanced programming and database development skills (fluent in Java, SQL, and preferably in C++, Perl, or Python)
*	Knowledge of BioMoby, tomcat, SQL, JSF, bioMART and semantic web (e.g. RDF, OWL)
*	Basic knowledge of mass spectrometry and metabolomics technology is essential
*	The drive, ambition and skills to acquire a leading role in the development of a metabolomics data analysis platform within PRI and to initiate new projects in this field

Remuneration: a young, dynamic and driven bioinformatics group, focusing on computational challenges in a broad range of comparative and functional genomics related topics; a state-of-the art computational infrastructure; close collaboration with one of the worlds leading labs in plant metabolomics.
The position is available for one year, with a possible extension of two years, full time. 
Maximum gross salary will be € 4372,- (scale 11) per month, depending on qualifications and experience.

Information: dr. Roeland van Ham, +31-317-481053, roeland.vanham at wur.nl or Dr. Robert Hall, +31-317-480441, robert.hall at wur.nl.


Application: Send your letter with CV, list of publications and the names of two references before September 19, 2008 to Mrs. Lydia Bikker, Plant Research International, Department Personnel & Organisation, P.O. Box 16, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands. E-mail: vacaturemeldingen.psg at wur.nl
When applying for this job always mention the vacancy number 08.Biosc.04-A