VU University Amsterdam is one of the leading institutions for higher education in Europe and aims to be inspiring, innovative, and committed to societal welfare. It comprises twelve faculties and has teaching facilities for 25,000 students.
The Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences (FALW) offers a range of Bachelor and Master programmes. Research at the faculty focuses on the fields of the life sciences, health sciences, environmental sciences and earth sciences. World-class teaching and cutting-edge research activities go hand in hand. FALW works together with other faculties like medicine, exact sciences, economics, psychology and social sciences. The faculty’s research facilities can be categorized as excellent. The faculty’s international focus fosters cross-border collaboration, leading to substantially improved quality and greater impact of our research results.
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Research at the Complex Trait Genetics lab focuses on identifying the genetic and environmental causes of individual differences in human traits related to behavior, cognition and mental and physical health. We integrate knowledge from different fields (biology, genetics, neuroimaging, bioinformatics) and use and develop statistical tools to analyze genome-wide data sets for complex traits.
The Complex Trait Genetics lab (www.ctglab.nl) at the Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research in Amsterdam (see www.cncr.nl) is seeking applicants for a PhD position in Bioinformatics/Statistical Genetics.
Project description
Psychiatric disorders are complex traits, influenced by hundreds of genetic variants each of small impact on disease risk. Recent genome-wide studies have led to unprecedented progress in understanding the genetic architecture of these disorders. In this project we capitalize on this progress by developing and applying novel statistical and bioinformatic tools to understand how current genetic risk variants for these disorders are functionally interconnected. This will aid in understanding the underlying neurobiology and in identifying targets for future functional follow-up studies.
Tasks
We are seeking a highly motivated, talented individual. You are expected to participate in methodological bioinformatics research utilizing genomics data, with application to psychiatric disorders. You will be proficient in statistics and computer science and understand principles of molecular genetics. Practical experience in the analysis of genomics data is preferred. Application areas include predicting disease risk using whole genome markers, gene-set analysis, functional annotation of identified genetic risk factors using e.g. protein-protein interaction data, and identifying genetic markers for follow-up functional analyses by other researchers.
Requirements
Minimum qualifications include a MSc. degree in any of the following fields: bioinformatics, statistics, medical statistics, computer programming, computational biology or related quantitative/computational field. In addition we require a good ability to write and read English, experience working with large datasets, experience with the R statistical language and UNIX. Strong computer programming skills are an advantage.
Further particulars
The initial appointment will be for a period of 1 year and will start in October 2014. After satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years. Information about our excellent fringe benefits of employment can be found at www.workingatvu.nl like:
Remuneration of 8,3% end-of-year bonus and 8% holiday allowance;
Solid pension scheme (ABP);
A minimum of 29 holidays In case of full-time employment;
A wide range of sports facilities, which staff may use at a modest charge.
Salary
The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel, and ranges from a minimum of € 2,083 gross per month (salary scale 85) up to a maximum of € 2,664 gross per month based on a full-time employment.
You are requested to write a letter in which you describe your abilities and motivation, accompanied by your curriculum vitae and the name of two scientific referees. Applications should be sent by e-mail before September 8, 2014 to:
VU University Amsterdam is one of the leading institutions for higher education in Europe and aims to be inspiring, innovative, and committed to societal welfare. It comprises twelve faculties and has teaching facilities for 25,000 students.
