1 Postdoctoral position in Toxicogenomics in Netherlands | Maastricht University

Your aim will be to develop and apply a human in vitro neuronal cell model to be challenged by a wide range of pesticides and particular drugs, to explore possible mechanisms-of-action related to the onset of Parkinson’s Disease. Focus will be on ROS-generating chemicals that activate mitochondrion-mediated molecular networks leading to Parkinson’s disease. The objective is to generate predictive gene expression signatures from single compounds as well as complex mixtures, based on RNA sequencing data.

Bioinformatic data analyses will be a crucial and important part of the work as this should lead to the best predictive model. In order to unravel relevant biological pathways and/or genetic networks, different data integration tools will be used.

Requirements

A creative postdoc [1.0 fte] with a PhD preferably in toxicological sciences and with a strong background in genomics/molecular cell biology and bioinformatics, who wants to plan and execute the wet bench and dry bench activities foreseen in this project. Experience with or great affinity for applied research in toxicology and/or neurodegenerative disease is important. As this concerns an international project, we seek a team player with good communication and management skills.

Conditions of employment

The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO). Furthermore, local UM provisions also apply.

This concerns a fulltime position for 48 months. The salary will be dependent on relevant experience. The gross monthly salary will amount to max. 4.551,- euros conform salary scale 11 of the CAO Netherlands Universities.

Organisation

Maastricht University is renowned for its unique, innovative, problem-based learning system, which is characterized by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. Maastricht University has around 16,000 students and 4,000 employees. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. The university hosts 6 faculties: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Law, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.

Department

GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology

GROW focuses on research and teaching of (epi)genetic, cellular and (micro)environmental factors and mechanisms underlying normal (embryonic and fetal) and abnormal (cancer) development, with emphasis on translational research aiming at innovative approaches for individualizing prevention, patient diagnostics and treatment.