Scientist Microbial Bioinformatics

Scientist Microbial Bioinformatics at TNO

Want to make your mark on our time? Become a Scientist Microbial Bioinformatics at TNO in Leiden! 🌍

About this position

The complex microbial ecosystem of our microbiome plays a crucial role in our health. Although metagenomic sequencing has provided detailed information about the composition of the microbiome, essential questions remain about the physiological interactions between these microorganisms and how microorganisms can contribute to health and disease processes. Through multi-omics techniques, intervention studies, and in vitro models, we are trying to unravel this. These fascinating areas of research provide innovation opportunities for the development of new therapeutic approaches, including pre- and probiotics and personalized treatment approaches, that can have a positive impact on human health. Are you an ambitious bioinformatician with a passion for the microbiome and microbial physiology? Do you want to use your expertise to develop innovative solutions for disease prevention? Do you envision yourself? Become a Scientist Microbial Bioinformatics at TNO in Leiden.

What will be your role?

You will work as a Scientist Microbial Bioinformatics within the unit Healthy Living & Work, in the Research Group Microbiology & Systems Biology (MSB). With your expertise in microbiology and bioinformatics, you will contribute to gaining detailed physiological insights into the role of the microbiome in disease and health and be able to translate this into new innovative solutions.

As a scientist, you will work with colleagues and external partners outside TNO in project teams on various research questions. In addition to conducting research, you will contribute to project proposals, quotations, reports, and write (scientific) publications about the research. You also present your work at scientific conferences, with customers, or with other stakeholders. In this way, you contribute to the visibility of our research and a successful innovation and collaboration projects for clients and partners.

What we expect from you

You are an expert in microbiology, bioinformatics, and data analysis and have a passion for the complex ecological and physiological interactions in microbiome and interactions with the host. You have an interest in human health and want to contribute to better health for all. Excellent communication skills are a requirement to effectively convey insights to project team members in various roles and different disciplines. You feel at home in multidisciplinary teams collaborating with microbiologists, cell biologists, physiologists, and clinical experts. You are proactive and curious. Furthermore, you can tell a diverse audience about your research.

What else do you have to offer?

• You have a PhD in microbiology and bioinformatics.
• Next to this, you have at least 3-5 years of experience with microbial data analysis and with (statistical) analysis of multi-omics data, preferably in the field of microbial metabolism.
• Excellent command of Python or R.
• Experience with Linux, bash, high-performance computing.
• Demonstrated experience writing scientific papers.
• You are entrepreneurial, proactive, creative, and can collaborate well.
• A good command of the English language; proficiency in Dutch is a plus.
• Experience with writing project proposals.

What you'll get in return

Challenging and varied work with serious impact. And plenty of opportunities, because at TNO you are largely in charge of your own career. Besides a gross (full-time) monthly salary between € 3.950,- and € 6.500,- (depending on your knowledge and experience), vacation pay (8%), a thirteenth month (8.33%) and a flex budget (5.58% + €180), you get every opportunity to develop yourself.

In addition, at TNO you can put together a 'menu' of employment conditions that suits your personal situation. What you can also expect:

• A highly professional, innovative work environment, with top experts as colleagues.
• Opportunity to attend courses, training, workshops, and conferences, and coaching if you feel the need.
• 33 vacation days (for full-time employment).
• An employer that values and encourages diverse talent, with initiatives such as the Female Leadership Program, our Rainbow Community, and round tables on inclusion topics.
• Travel reimbursement.
• Fun activities with your team and other TNO employees. So you quickly get to know many people.
• Flexible working hours and the possibility to work from home.
• A good pension scheme.

TNO as an employer

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer, and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world.

At TNO, we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society.

We are TNO: This is our time

This is the time for us to find innovative solutions that will make an impact. The time to lead the world in safety and security, make our lives healthier, and take sustainability to the next level.