Bioinformatics Engineer Genome Technologies

Are you excited about the potential of high-throughput, quantitative assays like single-cell, single-molecule, and spatial genomics to reveal new biology? Are you eager to develop and apply computational tools that simplify the analysis if these datasets? Do you want to work with a friendly and welcoming team of researchers who are as excited as you on these topics? Then we are looking for you!

Your job

You will support our bioinformatic projects while helping other labs within the biology department adopt quantitative genomics methods into their research. You will be a member of the (future) quantitative genomics core unit (qGCu) of the biology department, embedded in the Bhardwaj lab and supported by the Bioinformatics (TBB) and Genome Biology (GBE) divisions. Your key responsibilities:

• Contribute to the data and software engineering projects within the Bhardwaj lab focussed on single-cell regulatory genomics.
• Work alongside a (wet-lab) postdoc to help disseminate single-cell omics methods to the broader biology community by developing analysis workflows.
• Provide training and consultancy to research groups within the biology department interested in implementing single-cell genomics into their research.
• Maintain a network with other bioinformaticians working on single-cell, single-molecule, or spatial omics data across the Utrecht Science Park for knowledge and resource sharing.

This position offers dual possibility. By participating in our ongoing research projects, you have a possibility to co-author publications, progressing your career in academia. Additionally, by helping kickstart our genomics core unit, you’ll learn how to work in a “start-up” environment. This could be a valuable experience in transitioning to another start-up/scale-up company, or spinning-off your own company in the future.

Your qualities

You are excited about developing and adopting cutting-edge bioinformatics tools and workflows and have an interest in epigenetics, stem cells and biomedicine. You bring a problem-solving mindset and love to work in a collaborative environment.

Required qualifications:

• A master’s degree in bioinformatics, biostatistics,computer science or engineering, with at least one year of work experience in bioinformatics.
• Experience with analysis of epigenomics (such as ATAC, CUTnTAG/CUTnRUN or BS-seq,) and/or single-cell, single-molecule, spatial-omics data.
• Ability to adapt and develop new bioinformatic workflows or software tools following good practices, evidenced via a publicly hosted code repository and/or publication.
• Strong team player and ability to work in a collaborative setting.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.

Additionally, one or more of the following is desirable:

• Experience with machine learning/ML engineering or data science projects.
• Solid knowledge of regulatory genomics of animals.
• Experience in C/C++, Java or Rust
• Experience in full stack web development (particularly “client side” frameworks)

Our offer

• access to strong computational infrastructure and expertise, along with the opportunity to work on cutting-edge bioinformatics projects in collaboration with other members of our lab;
• a position for one year (1.0 FTE), with an extension of two additional years upon a positive evaluation;
• a gross monthly salary, depending on qualifications and experience, between € 3.382 and €5.057 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 8,9 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

About us

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

Working at the Faculty of Science means bringing together inspiring people across disciplines and with a variety of perspectives and backgrounds. The Faculty has six departments: Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information & Computing Sciences, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Together, we work on excellent research and inspiring education. We do so, driven by curiosity and supported by outstanding infrastructure. Visit us on LinkedIn and discover how you can become part of our community.

You will become a key member of our (future) quantitative genomics core unit (qGCu), part of the Bhardwaj lab within the Department of Biology. Our lab bridges the themes of Bioinformatics, Genome Biology and Epigenetics, and Developmental Biology. We adapt and combine cutting-edge single-cell and single-molecule technologies with new data science and bioinformatic methods to understand regulatory control of cell fate decisions. As an inter-divisional lab, we interact regularly with the Theoretical Biology and Bioinformatics, Genome Biology and Epigenetics and Developmental Biology groups, offering you a wide range of expert input and support.

Additionally, as a member of the qGCu, you will also frequently consult and collaborate with researchers across the Utrecht Science Park who are interested in applying single-cell and spatial-omics to their research and coordinate our efforts with facilities at the UMCU, Hubrecht and PMC where these methods are routinely performed.

More information

For more information, please contact Dr. Vivek Bhardwaj at v.bhardwaj@uu.nl.

Do you have a question about the application procedure? Please send an email to science.recruitment@uu.nl.

Apply now

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

A valid Certificate of Conduct (VOG) is required for this position. This will be requested as part of the application process.

If you are enthusiastic about this position, just apply via the "Apply now" button! Please enclose:

• your letter of motivation - outlining your relevant experience, expectations for your next position and your career aspirations;
• your Curriculum vitae;
• the names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of at least two references;

If this specific opportunity isn’t for you, but you know someone else who may be interested, please forward this vacancy to them.

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