Postdoctoral Researcher: Systems Biology of Malaria Gametocytes

Employment 0.8 - 1.0 FTE

Gross monthly salary € 3,226 - € 5,090

Required background PhD

Organizational unit Faculty of Science

Application deadline 14 May 2024

Are you interested in studying sexual stages of malaria parasites and provide knowledge for malaria transmission blocking strategies? And do you cherish the power of omics technologies in dissecting complex cellular differentiation processes? Then join the Department of Molecular Biology as a postdoctoral researcher.

We are looking for an ambitious postdoctoral researcher with ample experience in systems biology and bioinformatics. Experience with malaria research is a plus but not strictly required. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will participate in a collaborative ZonMW open competition project (a team of two postdoctoral fellows embedded in two different institutes) dedicated to dissect gametocyte development in vivax-type malaria parasites. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to develop novel ideas and work on additional independent projects that align with this research theme.

Profile

• You should hold a PhD in molecular biology, systems biology, parasitology, or a related field.
• You have excellent communication and writing skills (in English).
• You possess strong analytical/bioinformatic skills and have a result-oriented attitude.
• You have creative thinking skills and a high degree of independence. 
• You have preferably experience with any of the following:  single-cell RNA-sequencing, epigenomics, proteomics, bioinformatics analysis of large datasets, the biology of Plasmodium (gametocytes). 

We are

This project will mainly be carried out at the Department of Molecular Biology, and will include frequent visits to the Biomedical Primate Research Centre in Rijswijk. Our team (headed by Dr Richard Bartfai) aims at understanding how molecular mechanisms enable adaptation and support pathogenesis of malaria parasites. We have a strong background in the development and integration of innovative single-cell (multi-omics) technologies and apply these technologies to understand the biology of the deadly malaria pathogens.

The Department of Molecular Biology is part of the Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS-Science), which is one of the six research institutes of the Faculty of Science at Radboud University.

The overarching aim of RIMLS-Science is to decipher molecular mechanisms of disease. Research areas of RIMLS-Science include epigenetics, stem-cell and developmental biology, and computational biology. The central research theme is regulation of gene expression during development, in health and in disease. Important tools used at the institute include next-generation sequencing, mass spectrometry, single-cell and spatial multi-omics and computational analysis, as well as method development. To perform state-of-the-art research, RIMLS-Science operates its own wet-lab, omics and computational facilities. This fundamental and applied research in medical biology and molecular life sciences has clear links to more clinically oriented research programmes at departments within the Radboud university medical center. RIMLS-Science currently has about 60 researchers, providing a vibrant and international working environment.

Radboud University

At Radboud University, we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research, providing high-quality education, offering excellent support, and fostering collaborations within and outside the university. In doing so, we contribute indispensably to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. To accomplish this, we need even more colleagues who, based on their expertise, are willing to search for answers. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Will you also contribute to making the world a little better? You have a part to play.

If you want to learn more about working at Radboud University, follow our Instagram account and read stories from our colleagues.

Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science (FNWI), part of Radboud University, engages in groundbreaking research and excellent education. In doing so, we push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and pass that knowledge on to the next generation.

We seek solutions to major societal challenges, such as cybercrime and climate change and work on major scientific challenges, such as those in the quantum world. At the same time, we prepare our students for careers both within and outside the scientific field.

Currently, more than 1,300 colleagues contribute to research and education, some as researchers and lecturers, others as technical and administrative support officers. The faculty has a strong international character with staff from more than 70 countries. Together, we work in an informal, accessible and welcoming environment, with attention and space for personal and professional development for all.

We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract of 2 year contract with the possibility for extension.
• Your salary within salary scale 10 depends on your previous education and number of years of (relevant) work experience. The amounts in the scale are based on a 38-hour working week.
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus. 
• You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Support Service. The Dual Career Programme assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands. Our Family Support Service helps you and your partner feel welcome and at home by providing customised assistance in navigating local facilities, schools, and amenities. Also take a look at our support for international staff page to discover all our services for international employees.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20. 

Additional employment conditions

Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions reflect this. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself. For example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports membership. And, of course, we offer a good pension plan. We also give you plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

Practical information and applying

You can apply no later than 14 May only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Richard Bartfai.

The first interviews will take place on Friday 17 May. You will preferably start your employment on 1 July.

We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates.