Postdoc Researcher in Liver Models for Toxicity Testing

We are looking for a motivated Postdoc with a strong background in advanced human cell culture systems, including organoids, and in molecular toxicology.

Your duties

• Development of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived liver models, including organoids derived of hepatocytes and non-parenchymal cells
• Characterisation of functional phase I and II metabolism
• Data analysis and integration of several toxicology assays, including Seahorse bioanalyser (mitochondria toxicity) and transcriptomics datasets
• High Content Imaging
• Publish scientific articles and present research results at conferences;
• Supervision of MSc and BSc students and co-supervision of PhD candidates
• Collaborate within the team and with other international researchers

Your profile

• PhD obtained within the last 5 years within the discipline of either toxicology, pharmacology, cell -or developmental-biology or a related discipline;
• Strong expertise in 3D human cell culture and iPSC, ideally with liver models
• Background in toxicology and mechanistic assays
• Aptitude for data handling and analysis; Transcriptomics analysis is a plus
• Experience with analytical methods (LC-MS) is an advantage
• Good communication, organizational and social skills;
• High proficiency in speaking and writing in the English language;
• Team player with the ability to work independently;
• Strong motivation for scientific research

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

What do we offer?

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of minimum € 3.226,00 (Scale 10) and maximum € 5.090,00 (Scale 10) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile Researcher 4. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
• a position for at least 0.8 FTE. Your employment contract will initially last 1 year.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• space for personal development
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge
• discount on (and occasionally exclusive access to) theater performances and courses at the Griffioen Cultural Center

About us

Division of Molecular and Computational Toxicology
At the division of Molecular and Computational Toxicology section, dept of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences research is carried out to study the molecular mechanisms underlying the toxic effects of drugs and other chemicals. Using innovative human cellular model systems, state-of-the-art metabolomics approaches and computer simulation methods, the mechanism by which chemicals can cause adverse effects are investigated. The section is also involved in education within Bachelor's and Master's degree programs in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Medical Natural Sciences and Biomolecular Sciences.

Faculty of Science
Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature.

We work on new solutions guided by value-driven, interdisciplinary methodologies. We are committed to research, valorisation and training socially engaged citizens of the world who will make valuable contributions to a sustainable, healthy future.

Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Science? You will join undergraduate students, PhD candidates and researchers at the biggest sciences faculty in the Netherlands. You will combine a professional focus with a broad view of the world. We are proud of our collegial working climate, characterised by committed staff, a pragmatic attitude and engagement in the larger whole. The faculty is home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programmes. It employs over 1,600 professionals spread across 10 academic departments.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely. - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of the VU. The VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.

Interested

Are you interested in this position? Send us your curriculum vitae including the names and contact details of two references and a cover letter describing your abilities and motivation in a single file by 17th July 2024.

Submitting a diploma is part of the application process.

Expected starting date is October 1, 2024.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.