Postdoctoral Researcher – Computational modeling of Epigenetic Inheritance – 38 hours p/w

About the Project
Faithful inheritance of the epigenome in proliferating cells critically underpins human development and health. While DNA replication fidelity and DNA mutation rates are well understood, the fidelity of epigenome inheritance remains elusive as it cannot be measured with current technologies. As epigenetic dysregulation is a key driver of aging and diseases such as diabetes, neurological disorders, and cancer, it is crucial to understanding the fidelity of epigenetic inheritance to unraveling how epigenomes evolve over a lifetime of cell divisions.

In this project, we will pioneer technologies for measuring epigenetic fidelity and modeling epigenome evolution at the single-cell and single-molecule level (Oxford Nanopore Technologies). By quantifying epigenetic mutation rates, we will explore how epigenomes respond to environmental, metabolic, and genotoxic stresses.

This interdisciplinary synergy project, funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, integrates molecular cell biology and epigenetic inheritance expertise from Anja Groth (Danish Cancer Institute) with quantitative systems biology from Alexander van Oudenaarden (Hubrecht Institute). The selected candidate will be based in Utrecht, spearheading development of computational approaches, with research visits to Copenhagen, offering an excellent opportunity for international mobility and enhancing grant competitiveness. You will join a highly collaborative team of two senior researchers and a PhD student who will be interacting through researcher exchanges, and regular in-person and virtual meetings. By combining single-cell and single-molecule workflows with computational modeling, this collaboration provides a unique opportunity to advance mechanisms that underpin epigenetic cell memory and understand how cell proliferation drives cell plasticity and cell fate decisions in development, aging and cancer. We strongly encourage applications from researchers with expertise in computational biology.

Your Profile
We are seeking a genuinely motivated individual with a PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a comparable field with extensive experience in the analyses of high-throughput sequencing data, preferably with single-cell or single molecule methods. Theoretical understanding in statistical modelling and practical experiences in the analyses of single-cell or single-molecule sequencing data are expected from the applicant. Candidates should demonstrate inclusive mindset and a curiosity driven nature, excellent problem-solving skills and a commitment to high-impact research in epigenetic inheritance and single-cell and/or single-molecule analysis.

In particular, we are looking for candidates with the following competencies and experience:

·         A PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a related discipline

·         Post-graduate experience in genomics analyses and computational analyses of high-throughput single-cell or single-molecule sequencing data

·         Programming and data analytical skills

·         A high proficiency in spoken and written English

·         Interest in research exchange in Copenhagen (conditions to be determined)

For questions, please contact a.vanoudenaarden@hubrecht.eu or j.berg@hubrecht.eu.

About the Danish Cancer Institute
Early 2025, the lab of Anja Groth moved to newly established state-of-the-art laboratories at the Danish Cancer Institute (DCI) in Copenhagen. DCI offers a vibrant, highly international and collaborative research environment, outstanding core facilities and a strong commitment to sustainable research. DCI is committed to leading the way in cancer research, focusing on innovative excellence in technology innovation and application. As an integral part of the Danish Cancer Society, we are working to reduce cancer risks, advance early diagnostics, develop novel therapeutic solutions, and improve patients’ lives. We function as a cross-collaborative international cancer research institute with an interdisciplinary and translational agenda, based on excellent research within basic biology and epidemiology.

About the Hubrecht Institute
The Hubrecht Institute is a research institute focusing on developmental and stem cell biology. At the institute, more than 20 research groups perform fundamental and multidisciplinary research, both in healthy systems and disease models. The Hubrecht Institute is a research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and is located on the Utrecht Science Park ‘De Uithof’. Since 2008, the institute has been affiliated with the University Medical Center Utrecht, advancing the translation of research into clinical practice. The Hubrecht Institute has a partnership with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL).

Terms of employment
Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is  € 3.378,- and the maximum salary is € 5.331,-  gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale 10 cao Nederlandse Universiteiten/KNAW). This is exclusive of 8% vacation allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance and pension accrual with ABP.

The KNAW offers its staff an excellent package of secondary benefits. A package that meets the different needs of employees depending on their stage of life, lifestyle or career ambitions. For example, by working an extra two hours a week, it is possible to increase the number of days off from 29 to 41 days a year (with full-time employment).

For a complete overview of the terms of employment, please refer to the web page: werken bij de KNAW.

Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct can be part of the employment procedure.

Diversity & Inclusion
The KNAW considers a working environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated of great importance. A working environment in which attention is paid to individual quality and where development opportunities are paramount. Together we strive for an inclusive culture in which we embrace differences. We would therefore like to invite candidates who want to contribute to this through their background and experience. In the event of equal suitability, preference will be given to the candidate who thus enhances diversity within the Academy.

We will not respond to any supplier enquiries based on this job advertisement.