=========================================================== High-throughput, high-content support platform: research programmer position. =========================================================== About the position: ============== The recent developments in functional genomic technologies have made it possible to unravel the role of large numbers of genes in important cellular processes. A powerful new technology is based on RNA interference (RNAi) by which the expression of individual genes can be silenced through small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). The combination of RNAi with cell-based assays in high- throughput screening (HTS) will yield valuable new insights for the detection and treatment of disease. Several platforms have been developed to systematically examine the consequence of inactivation of individual genes in cell-based assays. In order to study more complex cellular phenotypes, High-Content Screening (HCS) was introduced. HCS defines the role of targets in cellular processes by combining fluorescence-based reagents, automated fluorescence microscopy and image analysis to automatically extract temporal and spatial information about multiple parameters within single cells. By combining HCS and HTS, it is now possible to study the consequence of inactivation of large numbers of individual genes, in large numbers of individual cells, measured by multiple cellular parameters. The implementation of HCS in HTS generates a wealth of data that will require a dedicated support platform. The challenges involved in this project include 1) efficient handling of the sheer volume of data (a relatively small screen already produces 150 000 images, each 1.4 Mb in size) and to do this across different locations; 2) processing of the images to extract the relevant parameters; 3) the integration of these parameters with other high-throughput data sources to extract new biological knowledge and 4) providing capabilities to enable users to effectively visualize and browse the database. It is essential that the platform include a flexible database or data warehouse infrastructure. The platform will provide web services, support for software development, and set software standards. The support platform will be developed based on the GRID and VL-e infrastructure as established by the Netherlands Bioinformatics Centre. To help build this support platform we are looking for a scientific programmer, who will participate in the design and implementation of the platform and the required software tools. About the candidate - Requirements: =========================== 1. HBO, Bachelor or Masters degree in either informatics or biology with a clear programming component; 2. Experience with dfatabases, webservices and workflow management systems, programming (C, Java, Python, Perl and/or Shell programming, Unix) and/or experience with bioinformatics / biostatistics software (R, Matlab) is preferred; 3. Good communication and interpersonal skills to facilitate collaboration with clinicians and biologists with very diverse scientific and statistical background. 4. Good command of English. About the employer: =============== The position is embedded within the groups of Dr Roderick Beijersbergen who is head of the NKI Robotics and Screening Center (NRSC) (http://www.screeninc.nl) and the Bioinformatics and statistics group lead by Dr Lodewyk Wessels (http://bioinformatics.nki.nl). These groups closely collaborate with the Central Microarray facility at the NKI-AvL, which has ample experience in constructing databases for expression data. Research in the Netherlands Cancer Institute covers all major areas of cancer research, with special emphasis on mouse models, mouse (reverse) genetics, cell biology, immunology, translational research requiring close collaboration between clinical and basic scientists and epidemiology and psychosocial cancer research. Employment conditions: ================= The employment conditions follow general employment rules as laid down in the CAO for hospitals. The salary will be determined depending on education and experience. Want to find out more? ================= For further information about the position please contact Dr. Lodewyk Wessels, tel. +31 20 512 7987 or e-mail: l.wessels@nki.nl How to apply: ========== Applications for this position should include a Curriculum Vitae with the names and contact information of two professional references that can be contacted for further information. Send applications to: The Personnel Department The Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital Plesmanlaan 121 1066 CX Amsterdam The Netherlands, or via email to work@nki.nl.