[BBC] Job opening (postdoc): Epigenomic analyses within nation-wide functional genomics initiative (Leiden, The Netherlands)

[B.T.Heijmans at lumc.nl]

Epigenomic analyses within nation-wide functional genomics initiative
Bioinformatician (postdoc), Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
Apply before February 27, 2012 at www.academictransfer.com/11762<http://www.academictransfer.com/11762>


Job description
As bioinformatician/postdoc you will analyze genome-wide DNA methylation profiles of 4000 individuals and link them to genetic, transcriptomic and phenotypic variation within a nation-wide functional genomics infrastructure to gain mechanistic insights into complex disease phenotypes.

The project
Recently, a high-profile €2M project was initiated to establish a nation-wide functional genomics infrastructure. The overall aim of the project is two-fold: (1) to gain insight in the mechanisms through which genetic variants identified in GWASs contribute to complex disease phenotypes and (2) to improve the classification of high-risk individuals by developing integrated genomic risk factors incorporating genetic, epigenomic and transcriptomic data. To this end, transcriptome (RNA-seq) and DNA methylome (Illumina 450k Chips and whole genome bisulfite sequencing) data will be generated in 4000 samples selected from in-depth characterized Dutch biobanks with GWAS and whole genome sequencing data. Hence, you will have the opportunity to work on a unique data set obtained with state-of-the-art technology and of unprecedented scale providing a platform for comprehensive and powerful analyses.

As a bioinformatician/postdoc you will be responsible for the analyses in the epigenomics work package. This entails implementing a pipeline for the processing and analysis of 450k methylation data and creating genome-wide catalogs of genetic variation influencing DNA methylation (mQTLs) and DNA methylation influencing transcription. Moreover, your work will involve the execution of epigenome-wide association studies (EWASs) and the integration of 450k data with whole genome bisulfite sequencing data.

The project is a collaborative effort and you will work with experts on functional genomics and biobank research in The Netherlands, including three other bioinformaticians/postdocs working on the other work packages. The project offers an excellent opportunity to develop an extended network and your successful role in project can be expected to result in good prospects for continuation of your career at a high level. Your research will be embedded within The Netherlands hub of the Biobanking and Biomolecular Research Infrastructure (BBMRI-NL). For a background on the project, read the article in BBMRI-NL newsletter (see http://tinyurl.com/fungenomics, page 2).

Requirements
You hold a PhD (preferred) or Masters degree in bioinformatics or biostatistics with a focus on solving biological research questions. You have a strong background in the analysis and interpretation of high-dimensional data as evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals, you are an efficient programmer in various languages for the analysis of such data and you have shown to effectively collaborate with researchers from other disciplines. Experience with the analysis of Illumina 27k/450k methylation data, micro-array/RNA-seq data and/or high-throughput bisulfite sequencing data is recommended.

Conditions of employment
You will be employed on the basis of a 36-hour week for a period of two years. Your salary will, depending on experience, be maximum € 3,899 gross per month based on a full time position (scale 10 of the Collective Labour Agreement for University Hospitals). Contract type: Temporary, Appointment for two years.

Additional information
You can find the extended vacancy text on http://www.lumc.nl/home/0004/23583/80611011354221/1110280250005720?internal=/home/0004/308761/308804/. If you have any questions, or if you want more information about this position, please contact Dr. Bas Heijmans, principal investigator, telephone +31 (0)71 526 9785. Or by e-mail: bas.heijmans at lumc.nl.

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