Postdoc Multilayer Networks in Neuro-oncology

Postdoc Multilayer Networks in Neuro-oncology

Micro to macro: integrating neurobiological data through multilayer network analysis

Are you ready to help transform how we understand and treat oncological and neurological diseases? We are seeking an ambitious postdoctoral researcher to join a groundbreaking project that aims to bridge the biological scales of disease — from molecules to brain networks to cognition.

In neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), early molecular changes — such as dysregulation of key proteins — eventually lead to brain network disruptions and cognitive decline. However, connecting these dots across levels of biology remains one of the greatest challenges in modern neuroscience. Our project takes on this challenge head-on, using multilayer network theory: an exciting analytical framework that allows us to model, quantify, and understand interactions both within and between different biological scales.

About your role

You will work at the forefront of this innovation, building integrated network models that combine proteomic data (molecular scale) with brain network imaging (systems scale). Your goal is to identify the critical molecular and network targets that drive cognitive decline and, ultimately, to uncover new strategies for personalized therapeutic intervention.

This project sits at the intersection of computational neuroscience, systems biology, and clinical research. You will have access to rich multimodal datasets, including proteomic profiles and advanced neuroimaging from large Alzheimer’s cohorts, and will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of neuroscientists, neurologists, and data scientists. While your primary focus will be on Alzheimer’s Disease, you will also have the opportunity to contribute to parallel projects targeting cognitive decline in multiple sclerosis and cancer, applying the multilayer network approach across different neurological and oncological populations.

If you are passionate about systems neuroscience, precision medicine, and innovative computational methods, and want to make ...

About you

• You hold a PhD in AI, Mathematics, Bioinformatics, or a closely related discipline;
• You have a background in the development and implementation of new computational methods;
• You have strong programming skills, preferably in Python;
• You are able to explain complex ideas to non-specialists;
• You have good communication skills (written/oral) in English, you are self-disciplined and can work in a multi-disciplinary environment.

Our offer

• A wonderful continuation of your career in scientific research.
• Plenty of room for your drive to shape tomorrow's healthcare.
• Working on large-scale and in-house research, with motivated colleagues from all over the world.
• You will be employed by Amsterdam UMC Research BV.
• A contract for 12 months, with the intention to extend for a total of 3 years.
• Salary scale 10: € 3.493 to € 5.504 gross based on full-time employment (depending on education and experience) and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.
• Holiday hours: 190,4 per year for fulltime and a possibility to save additional hours.
• Pension accrual with BeFrank, a modern, comprehensible and fairly priced pension.
• For >7 km each way, 100% reimbursement for public transport travel costs and, for private transport, €0.18 per km up to a maximum of 40 km each way.
• Do you prefer walking or cycling? Take advantage of our good bike scheme. Moreover, you will receive a reimbursement of €0.18 per km.

About your workplace

You will join the Multiscale Network Neuroscience (MULTINET) lab, where we aim to improve outcomes for glioma and other patients by understanding and manipulating personalized multiscale network data. Our multidisciplinary team focuses on three main goals: (1) embracing the complexity of brain networks by studying different populations with diverse methods; (2) integrating data across scales — from cells to brain networks to behavior — to uncover how local brain changes cause large-scale network disruptions in disease; and (3) predicting and treating clinical outcomes across brain tumors and other neurological or psychiatric conditions, focusing on shared symptoms like cognitive and physical impairments. We combine computational modeling, brain stimulation (TMS), and cellular experiments to reveal disease mechanisms and drive new treatments.

You are also part of the ADORE Biocomputational Focus group, which unites Amsterdam UMC biocomputational researchers who develop and apply computational methods relevant to onco- and neurological applications.

Amsterdam UMC Research BV supports non-profit scientific research. In doing so, we provide researchers with everything they need to excel. Our principal investigators (PIs) and project leaders offer support in the field of project management, finance and human resources. In medical scientific research projects, legal support is also provided.

Amsterdam UMC has an open culture. This means that we hope that everyone feels welcome in our organization and that we strive to offer equal opportunities to everyone. We therefore cordially invite all interested parties to respond to this vacancy.

The interviews for this position will take place on Thursday June 12 (afternoon) and Friday June 13 (all day).

If you have any questions about this position, please feel free to contact dr. Linda Douw, principal investigator, via l.douw@amsterdamumc.nl.

A reference check, screening and hiring test may be part of the procedure. If you join us, we ask you for a VOG (Certificate of Good Conduct).

Internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates in case of equal suitability.