Comp Biol Postdoc , Amsterdam, The Netherlands

POSTDOCTORAL COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGIST (NKI-AVL and the VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands) COMPUTATIONAL MODELING OF SIGNALING AND REGULATORY PATHWAYS IN Th17 DIFFERENTIATION Lymphocytes are central in the regulation of immune response. T-lymphocytes differentiate into functionally distinct subsets. Proper regulation of the balance between various subsets is crucial for an optimal immune system and for host defense against pathogens and cancer. Recently, a new T-cell subset, Th17, which plays a central role in host defense, was discovered. In this project, our aim is to identify the underlying regulatory mechanisms and molecular networks that govern the formation of Th17 cells. We will achieve this by generating comprehensive datasets and performing state-of-the art computational modeling based on these data. The data sets will include time series RNA and miRNA expression data, siRNA perturbation experiments based on kinome and phosphatome libraries, (phospho)protein expression and Chip-Seq data. To construct the computational models, we will build both data-driven machine learning models and knowledge-driven (logical and Petri-net) models of the regulatory networks. Our aim is to fuse the results of these two approaches to obtain a single, hybrid model. Computational predictions of key control mechanisms will be tested experimentally and the resulting data will be employed to refine the models. The successful candidate will be primarily responsible for constructing models of the regulatory Th17 developmental networks, developing new computational methodologies where required and liaising with the computational and biological partners in this project. EMPLOYER INFORMATION The Netherlands Cancer Institute is a dedicated cancer center conducting research in all major areas of cancer, with a strong emphasis on translational research. The Bioinformatics and Statistics group provides leadership on the collection and analysis of data for the research programs of the institute, by developing novel compuational approaches and performing state of the art analyses of a wide array of data types, including laboratory and animal experiments, clinical trials, and epidemiologic studies. The Centre for Integrative Bioinformatics (IBIVU) is a broad-based research centre at the VU University that is carried by the Faculty of Sciences (FEW) and the Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences (FALW) with strong endorsement from the University Board. Its main missions are carrying out a strong and internationally competitive research program in Integrative Bioinformatics with an additional focus on Systems Biology, and providing an excellent educational program at bachelor and master level; the latter including two-year international master's programmes in Bioinformatics and in Systems Biology. REQUIREMENTS The vacancy is a research position within the field of bioinformatics/computational biology and the research will be carried out in close collaboration with the involved partners. The ideal candidate has a background in bioinformatics, computer science, statistics, physics, or biology, strong algorithmic and/or machine learning skills, and experience with the analysis of high-throughput data. EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS The temporary employment will be for a period of three years. The gross monthly salary for a Postdoc will range from ? 3140,- to ? 3.495,- and depends on previous experience. We can help you find housing. The NKI-AVL has been listed in the top 25 of 'Best Employers' in 2009 offering a specialized cancer research institute and hospital with good working conditions and an excellent atmosphere. INTERESTED? To apply, and for further information please contact Lodewyk Wessels, tel.: +31-20-5127987, e-mail: l.wessels@nki.nl or Jaap Heringa, tel.: heringa@few.vu.nl +31 20 59 87649 (direct) or +31 20 59 87483 (secr.) CLOSING DATE 1 July 2010 L.F.A.Wessels, Ph.D Bioinformatics and Statistics The Netherlands Cancer Institute Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam The Netherlands Tel: +31 (0)20 5127987 Fax: +31 (0)20 6691383 Mobile: +31 (0)634485714 http://bioinformatics.nki.nl/

COMPUTATIONAL MODELING OF SIGNALING PATHWAYS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF TARGETED THERAPY IN BREAST CANCER This is a postdoc position in the CSBC, which is a research center, recently funded by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research, and aims to develop a broadly applicable strategy to tackle the complexity of molecular networks that govern (breast) tumorigenesis. This strategy will be rooted in a computational modeling and experimental validation cycle spanning multiple levels of complexity including cell lines, mouse models and patients. The final goal is to deliver improved diagnostic tools to enable tailored cancer therapy. The center is a close collaboration between Molecular Biologists (Beijersbergen and Bernards labs), Mouse Cancer Genetics (Jonkers lab), Computational Biologists (Wessels lab) and the clinic. The ideal candidate is a postdoc with a strong background in bioinformatics or computational biology. The succesful candidate will develop models to predict cellular and tumor phenotypes and optimize therapeutic strategies based on cellular pathway activities. The models will be constructed based on existing models of the important signaling pathways involved in breast tumorigenesis and extensive high throughput perturbation measurements registering (phospho)proteome expression levels and cellular phenotypes. The models will be refined by adding important players emerging from the center's tumor resequencing and insertional mutagenesis screening programs, and based on the results obtained from hypothesis-driven perturbation measurements. EMPLOYER INFORMATION The Netherlands Cancer Institute is a dedicated cancer center conducting research in all major areas of cancer, with a strong emphasis on translational research. The Bioinformatics and Statistics group (Wessels lab.) provides leadership on the collection and analysis of data for the research programs of the institute, by developing novel compuational approaches and performing state of the art analyses of a wide array of data types, including laboratory and animal experiments, clinical trials, and epidemiologic studies. REQUIREMENTS The vacancy is a research position within the field of bioinformatics/computational biology and the research will be carried out in close collaboration with the involved partners. The ideal candidate has a background in (dynamic) modeling of biological systems, preferentially signaling pathways, bioinformatics, computer science, statistics, physics, or biology, strong algorithmic skills. EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS The temporary employment will be for a period of three years. The gross monthly salary for a Postdoc will range from ? 3140,- to ? 3.495,- and depends on previous experience. We can help you find housing. The NKI-AVL has been listed in the top 25 of 'Best Employers' in 2009 offering a specialized cancer research institute and hospital with good working conditions and an excellent atmosphere. INTERESTED? To apply, and for further information please contact Lodewyk Wessels, tel.: +31-20-5127987, e-mail: l.wessels@nki.nl or visit http://csbc.nki.nl CLOSING DATE 1 October 2010
participants (1)
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Lodewyk Wessels