"Postdoc Computational Rheumatology and Immunology"

As a postdoc within the Department of Rheumatology and the Leiden Computational Biology Center, you will play a key role in the integration and analysis of omics data collected within the groundbreaking TREAT EARLIER trial. This trial is the first preventive study in the field of rheumatology globally and now includes five years of follow-up data. You will focus on linking the molecular data with clinical data, which is being analyzed by clinical researchers. Additionally, you may integrate imaging data from serial MRI scans in the future, which are processed using deep-learning techniques in the group of Prof. Boudewijn and Dr. Stoel. Your analyses will contribute to understanding how systemic and local inflammatory processes are interconnected in the development of rheumatoid arthritis. The ultimate goal is to build knowledge that will enable the development of targeted treatments for future studies.

Your key tasks are:

• Developing and conducting integrated analyses on epigenetic, genetic, transcriptomic, and proteomic datasets.
• Interpreting and reporting findings in the form of scientific publications.
• Strengthening the connection between clinical and molecular data from the TREAT EARLIER trial.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including clinical researchers and data scientists.
• Contributing to the expansion of analyses with imaging data at a later stage of the project.

Requirements: You work accurately and independently, but also actively seek collaboration. You enjoy connecting knowledge from different disciplines and have a curious, eager-to-learn attitude. You communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, in both Dutch and English. You show initiative, keep an overview, and possess sharp analytical skills. Your enthusiasm and structured approach make you a valuable colleague within our team. Furthermore, you have: A (nearly) completed PhD in a relevant field. Proven experience with immunological research, preferably in rheumatology. Experience with analyzing omics data (e.g., epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics). Affinity for computational biology and data-driven research.

Conditions of employment: Fixed-term contract: duration project. As a postdoc, your salary will be between €3,598 and €5,669 gross per month (scale 10, CAO UMC). These figures are based on a full-time position. You will work in a 36-hour per week contract and receive an appointment for a duration of two years. Extension is possible with good performance.