Computational biologist

Job description

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a devastating chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, of which the cause is still unknown, the course is highly unpredictable and disability progression is inevitable.

We are looking for a highly motivated computational biologist to design workflows and tools to connect multidimensional (genetic, immunological, clinical and radiological) data of people with MS at different stages of their disease and develop this as a computational approach to track down (and thus treat) progression as early as possible. He/she will create a bioinformatics and computational environment based on machine learning algorithms that contributes to the generation of innovative and reproducible parameters that take our patient-oriented research to the next level. 

The candidate will work in a multi-disciplinary team involving neurologists, immunologists and other biological experts to solve questions and discover features relevant for the clinical course of MS using his/her bioinformatics expertise. In-house genetic, serology, radiological and clinical data will be processed, interrogated, visualized and integrated with state-of-the art single cell (lymphocyte) transcriptome and phenotype datasets to create a computational signature for `smoldering' MS.

Work environment

ErasMS is the MS Center of the Erasmus MC in Rotterdam and is one of the three national academic referral centers for providing medical care and advice to people with MS and other inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system. Within ErasMS, our mission is to understand MS across the lifespan, enabling us to prevent and cure this disease. We prospectively follow cohorts of patients with for example pediatric demyelinating disease, relapsing or progressive MS, and NMO-SD/MOG-AD. We aim to find new biological determinants of disease outcomes. To achieve this task, we are continuously collecting clinical, radiological, genetic, virological and immunological data from our different cohorts for now more than 15 years at depts. of Neurology and Immunology, also in collaboration with depts. of Viroscience and Clinical Genetics at the Erasmus MC. Our center is a member of multiple international MS consortia using big data (e.g. International MS Genetics Consortium `IMSGC', EU-Health program `BEHIND-MS' and federated learning MS platform `INTONATE').

The dept. of Immunology performs cutting-edge basic and translational research on different immune-related disorders, including immunodeficiencies, autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders and cancer. It participates in patient care by performing laboratory diagnostics (Laboratory for Medical Immunology), supports Clinical Immunology and has an international environment with employees and students from many countries.

As bioinformatician of MS center ErasMS, you will be part of the NeuroImmunology Brain (NIB) research group (dept. of Immunology), which is a dynamic team of enthusiastic researchers (4 postdocs, 3 PhD students, 3 technicians) who collaborate with neurologists (in training) across highly translational and complementary projects. Furthermore, you will share your experience and discuss results with the Computational and Bioinformatics research group of Dr. ir. Harmen van de Werken (dept. of Immunology).
 

Qualifications and skills

We are looking for a highly motivated and analytically strong colleague who can tame complex datasets. You combine computational thinking with excellent communication skills to seamlessly bridge the gap between technology and medical practice.

• A completed BSc, MSc, or PhD degree in informatics, bioinformatics, or a closely related quantitative field.
• Excellent programming skills in Python or Java along with experience in workflow management systems like Nextflow.
• Proven experience with relational databases such as MySQL or PostgreSQL, the statistical language R, and the Linux operating system.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a preferred background in (neuro)immunology or large omics datasets analysis.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills to work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams, including the ability to obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG).

Before you apply please check our conditions for employment.

Terms of employment

• The appointment is offered for an initial period of 1 year, with the possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance and available funding.
• The gross monthly salary amounts a minimum of € 3.126,- (scale 7) and a maximum of € 5.867,- (scale 10) based on a full-time appointment, depending on your education and experience.
  Please note: We are open to both analist and scientic researcher for this position. The salary will be determined based on your experience and role.
• Excellent fringe benefits, such as a 13th month that is already paid out in November and a individual travel expense package.
• An International Office which aids you in preparing for you arrival and stay.
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 2/3 of the monthly contribution.
• Special benefits, such as a incompany physiotherapist and bicycle repairer. And there is also a gym where you can work on your fitness after work. 

More information

Make this job your next career move! Apply now using the application button. It all starts with taking action.

Do you have questions about the role? Feel free to reach out to Dr. M.M. van Luijn, Associate Professor, via +31 10 704 31 90.

No agencies please.