Vacancy PhD candidate ‘A multi-omics-AI/ML approach to understand the phenotypic diversity in ciliopathies (DC1)

Job description

Primary cilia are microtubule-based projections found on the surface of nearly every cell in our body. We know that humans critically depend on cilia to see, hear, smell, breathe, excrete and reproduce. Such activities require a high degree of regulation and critical feedback to ensure robustness in development and homeostasis of different cells, tissues and organs. Dysfunction of cilia causes a broad spectrum of hereditary diseases, but the molecular basis of the phenotypic diversity remains largely unknown. Understanding this multi-level organisation and regulation in health and disease requires integration of unique multidisciplinary expertise.

A consortium of nine different groups from six different European countries have successfully applied for a Marie Sklodowska Curie Action Doctoral Network, coined Cilia-AI. This Cutting-Edge Research and Training Programme will apply machine learning to understand genotype to phenotype relationships in ciliopathies.

The position in my group will focus on a multi-omics-AI/ML approach to understand the phenotypic diversity in ciliopathies by using a state-of-the-art molecular toolbox to determine the key similarities and differences of cilium composition during early development of different tissues in health and disease. As a PhD candidate you will be hosted within the Radboudumc, but, given the nature of the training network, receive a lot of training throughout the different participating institutes. In addition, candidates should perform a three secondments (two months each) within different partners lab, in order to maximize exchange and cooperation between the different groups.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Plan and perform scientific in vitro and in vivo experiments in an independent manner.
• Critically analyze data.
• Take a leading role in writing manuscripts.
• Present data at local, national and international scientific meetings.
• Supervise MSc and/or BSc students.

Place of work

As a PhD candidate you will be positioned within the “Molecular Biology of Ciliopathies” group, led by Prof. Ronald Roepman, that studies the molecular biology of primary cilia in health and disease.

The Department of Human Genetics of the Radboudumc in Nijmegen is internationally renowned for its research and diagnostics on a variety of genetic disorders. The Department offers an exciting working environment with enthusiastic people from many parts of the world, providing ample critical mass and a stimulating, collaborative atmosphere for high quality research.

Radboudumc
Welcome to Radboud university medical center (Radboudumc), where scientific breakthroughs are born through the curiosity and passion of our collaborating researchers in a vibrant environment. We believe trust and excitement are crucial elements to achieving our goals, and we approach our research as teams and with the utmost rigor to make a significant impact on health and healthcare. Our researchers are driven by their fascination with the biological, psychological, and sociological mechanisms underlying health and healthcare. They collaborate with partners from all over the world to improve health outcomes for all. Radboudumc unites patient care, research, education, and corporate learning, which allows us to approach our mission to shape the health and healthcare of the future in an innovative and person-centered way.

Our ambition is to lead the way in the pursuit of prevention, sustainability, meaningful care. We believe that through our research, we can significantly improve the health and well-being of society. Join us on our mission to make a difference in healthcare. Become a part of our community of gifted researchers, professionals or patient partners who are dedicated to making a real impact on population health and healthcare. 

Read what it is like to do a PhD at the Radboud University Medical Center.

Profile

You must have completed a Master degree in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Developmental Biology, Biochemistry or related field. This project is very suitable for students with a keen interest in developmental cell biology who are motivated to develop AI/ML-based data integration and molecular modelling skills.

You have a strong ambition to succeed in science, be result-oriented, and be able to communicate fluently in English (at least B2-level both orally and in writing). You also should possess a critical scientific attitude and should be able to work both independently as well as in a team.

As per MSCA-DN ruling, candidates that apply for a position within the Netherlands should not have worked, studied or lived within the Netherlands for more than one year during the last three years. The applicant — at the date of recruitment — should not have resided in the country where the research training takes place for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to recruitment, and not have carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in that country.

Employment conditions

Anticipated starting date is between 1 May and 1 September 2025. The applicant — at the date of recruitment — should not have resided in the country where the research training takes place for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to recruitment, and not have carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in that country.  At Radboud university medical center, you build on your future. We are committed to providing the best care, education, and research. And we are true to our word, because we help you develop and seize opportunities and give you the room to grow. As an employer, we believe that employees should feel vital and happy at work in all stages of life. We are also committed to creating a healthy and safe working environment. Our employment conditions contribute to that. What we offer:

• Upon commencement of employment, you will start at scale 10A, step 0 (€ 3.017 based on a full-time appointment). Over a maximum period of 4 years, you will progress to scale 10A, step 3 (€3.824 based on a full-time appointment). You will also receive an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and a 47% to 72% bonus for working unsocial hours.
• 176 vacation hours per year based on a 36-hour working week. 

And there is more..

• An Employment Conditions Selection Model, allowing you to use part of your employment conditions to your choosing. For example, you can use your gross salary to purchase additional vacation hours or hours for providing informal caregiving. Or, for example, you can use your gross end-of-year bonus to purchase a bicycle, so you pay less tax.
• Plenty of opportunities for personal development. You can take a variety of courses in our online learning environment. 
• Your well-being and vitality are a priority. For example:
  • Save time for work-life balance leave. 
  • You can enjoy unlimited access to a variety of activities five days a month and take advantage of all the facilities at Radboud Sport & Culture for only €27.05 per month (instead of €41)
  • Healthy Professionals program to help you manage your energy. 
  • Company Support Team and a personal coach if you are going through a life-changing event.
  • Financially beneficial working less through a Generation Scheme as you approach state pension age.
• Support in achieving a good work-life balance at every stage of your life. Examples:
  • Advice and courses on, for example, 'Millennial dilemmas' and 'Your Career After 57'.
  • Activities at our own mindfulness center.
  • Informal caregiving consultations if you have questions about juggling work and caregiving responsibilities at home.
• In addition to statutory pregnancy and maternity leave, Radboud university medical center offers 26 weeks of parental leave, nine of which are paid. In addition, as a partner you can take a maximum of five weeks of supplementary partner leave. During supplementary partner leave and parental leave, we supplement the UWV benefit up to 100% of your salary.
• Pension accrual at the ABP Pension Fund. Radboud university medical center pays 70% of the pension premium. 
• Discounts on supplementary packages of two group health insurances and ten other types of insurance, from home insurance to legal assistance.
• An allowance for your commuting costs of € 0.18 per km up to a maximum of 40 km one way. If you use public transport to commute, we will fully reimburse the public transport costs (2nd class). If you regularly work from home, you will receive a working from home allowance of € 2.40 per day.

Application procedure

Are you ready to think further for our patients and our care? We would like to receive your application before 17 March 2025. We will then contact you shortly. Please upload 1 combined PDF-file with your 1-page letter of motivation regarding this position as well as the Cilia-AI network, a detailed CV in EU format, including education, work experience, skills, dissertations, research interests, career objectives, and names and contact details of two referees, that can include the supervisor of the master thesis, willing to provide confidential letters of recommendation and a transcript of the master studies’ grades (including the overall grade and an explanation of the grading system) and the abstract of the master’s thesis, if available.

Good to know

• This position requires a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).
• You can find more information about our application procedure and frequently asked questions on our website.
• Will you be our new colleague? Then you will be given the time and space to get to know your role, your workplace, and your colleagues. An induction day for all new colleagues is an integral part of your onboarding program. 

We are recruiting for this position ourselves. Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated, but do feel free to share the vacancy in your network!

Contact

Any questions? Or wondering what it is like to work at Radboudumc? Then email to Prof. Ronald.Roepman or project manager Cilia-AI Simone Dusseljee. Use the Apply button to submit your application. 

See all the positions at other institutes via https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/307802, where candidates can indicate their preference for this, or any of the other 13 positions. For Radboudumc positions, please use the Apply button on the Radboudumc vacancy website.