Postdoctoral researcher on the project 'Developing liquid biopsy techniques for neurodegeneration'

Job description

We are inviting applications for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to work in our team on a collaborative project within the field of liquid biopsy. The project focuses on biomarkers of neurodegeneration for neurological diseases based on next-generation sequencing of cell-free DNA fragments circulating in the blood stream.

The project is embedded in the departments of Clinical Genetics and Neurology within Erasmus MC. It is part of the translational research lines within the Precision Epidemiology group, where novel biomarkers are investigated for their potential to be used at a large scale. For this project you will work closely together with members of the Precision Epidemiology group, which consists of scientists from various backgrounds (mathematics, medicine, psychology, molecular biology, etc.). You will also work extensively in collaboration with scientists and clinicians in other departments and institutions.

The primary role of the position will be to develop biomarkers of cell type-specific degeneration in neurological diseases based on cell-free DNA circulating in the blood stream. Even though the DNA of every neuron is identical when only taking the base sequence into account, the methylation pattern differs between neurons. You will work on improving current methodology for measuring cell-free DNA methylation, tackling the specific hurdles that exist in its application for neurodegenerative disorders. The first applications of your assays will be to stroke and Parkinson’s disease, where you will have access to samples from some of the world’s largest studies on these disorders.

Overall, we are looking for a candidate who is enthusiastic about contributing to a major advance in the field of neurodegenerative disease through the development of (epi)genetic techniques, and who will excel within a highly collaborative environment.

Work environment

The candidate will work at the department of Clinical Genetics. The Clinical Genetics department consists of approximately 250 employees and is part of the Sophia theme. Our department has three sections: Counseling, Diagnostics and Research. The Counseling section is concerned with genetic counseling and research into hereditary diseases and congenital abnormalities. The department consists of approximately 70 employees and provides counseling in all areas of expertise, including hereditary congenital anomalies, neuro-, cardio- and oncogenetics. The department's trial office supports researchers. 

Qualifications and skills

• Applicants should have a PhD degree in a relevant field for (cell-free) DNA methylation, such as Genetics, Forensics, or Oncology.
• Thorough experience in sample processing, applying (epi)genetic assays, and designing primers.
• Strong biomolecular knowledge, in particular related to epigenetics.
• Interest in neuroscience and neurodegenerative diseases.

We are looking for candidates who:

• Are research-driven and pro-active.
• Can work independently, but also lead cross-disciplinary collaborations.
• Have excellent organization and communication skills for collaborative projects.
• Have excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

The candidate will:

• Develop assays for measuring cell-free DNA methylation
• Compare different techniques to determine the most suitable approach
• Exchange knowledge with other researchers working on similar problems
• Engage with a large international network of clinicians and scientists
• Apply methods to large clinical studies
• Publish the projects in peer-reviewed journals
• Be encouraged to attend, and present at, international scientific conferences
• Have other training opportunities and a possible international research visit (during the second year)

Before you apply please check our conditions for employment.

Terms of employment

The initial contract will be for a temporary position for one year with a possibility for extension depending on the progress of the project.The fulltime gross monthly salary is € 4.000 ,-  in the 1st year increasing yearly). The terms of employment are according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement for Dutch University Medical Centers (CAO UMC).

More information

For more information about this position, please contact prof. Hieab Adams (h.adams@erasmusmc.nl) and/or dr. Rick van der Vliet (r.vandervliet@erasmusmc.nl).  

For queries regarding your application, please contact  Alexandra Goud, recruiter, phone number: +31 (0)6 256 796 67.

If you are excited by the thought of this position and would like to apply, please do so by using the application form on our website.
 

No agencies please.