Postdoc positions in Comparative Genomics

The CMBI at the Nijmegen Center for Molecular Life Sciences has two open positions for talented and motivated scientists to do bioinformatics research into:

1) Unraveling patterns behind mental retardation:

We have compiled a catalogue of more than 400 genes, mutations in which give rise to mental retardation. Several of these genes have already been demonstrated to act together in molecular pathways. However, the global biological coherence behind mental retardation genes is unknown. The challenge is to address this, e.g. via analyzing protein-protein interactions, via expression in specific tissues, via shared phenotypes in human and model organisms and via their shared evolutionary origin. You will query various types of genomics data, including proprietary gene-expression and functional data in Drosophila, to uncover shared pathways. Your work will shed light onto genetic design principles that underlie human brain function and will identify new candidate genes for mental retardation.

2) Evolutionary deconstruction of the Ciliome:

The cilium is a eukaryotic organelle whose malfunction has been shown to be responsible for a wide array of genetic diseases. Already the evolutionary analysis of known ciliary proteins and other genomics data has successfully predicted new ciliary proteins. You will map the origin and evolution of the ciliome among the eukaryotes to find new candidate ciliary proteins, to detect sub-modules within the cilium and in general to link the evolution of the cilium to its functions.

The projects combine the expertise of the Huynen group in the analysis of genomics data to predict protein function with the expertise in studying genetic disease of the groups of Annette Schenck and Ronald Roepman (Human Genetics, Nijmegen Center for Molecular Life Sciences). This collaboration ensures direct experimental testing of interesting newly predicted candidate proteins and pathways.

The positions are initially for two years with ample possibilities for extension. Requirements: You have PhD in Bioinformatics or in Natural Sciences with a published affinity for large-scale Bioinformatics analyses coupled to in depth study of biological systems. Salary: starting at 40.458 – 46.695 Euro, depending on experience.

For more information please contact Martijn Huynen (huynen@cmbi.ru.nl, www.cmbi.ru.nl). To apply, please e-mail a letter describing research interests and past research activities, a CV, and the names of three referees before October 15^th , 2009.