PhD Position: Computational Multi-Omics Characterisation for Corneal Regeneration (MSCA STEM-CORE)

Are you passionate about working with stem cells or stem cell-based biomaterials? And eager to explore cutting-edge technologies like genome editing and in vivo imaging? Or are you perhaps fascinated by eye research and do you have an affinity for molecular, cellular and medical science? If so, come and join our STEM-CORE project and become one of the 14 doctoral candidates recruited from 9 European countries.

STEM-CORE, supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme, aims to explore strategies to develop stem cell therapies and biomaterials, laying the groundwork for future cures to restore eyesight. As one of the doctoral candidates in STEM-CORE, you will receive comprehensive training to become a leading expert in regenerative medicine of the eye through interdisciplinary, intersectoral and international research. Additionally, you will develop valuable transferable and soft skills such as management, leadership and communication, positioning you for enhanced career opportunities and empowering you to make a meaningful impact on society.

In the laboratory of Jo Huiqing Zhou, the coordinator of STEM-CORE, you will characterise stem cells and stem cell-derived tissue models for corneal regeneration through state-of-the-art (single-cell) multi-omics analysis. You will collaborate with other doctoral candidates in STEM-CORE through joint projects, secondments and network training activities. Your teaching load may be up to 10% of your working time. You will also have opportunities to develop your teaching skills.

I quickly found my rhythm at Radboud University because of the great support, friendly environment and likeminded people.
Yuxuan Dai, PhD Candidate at the Donders Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging

I decided to pursue my PhD at Radboud University because of positive stories about the research quality and work environment from people I knew. Still, moving to a new country can be quite daunting. My routine was suddenly going to change completely. Having previously moved to London from my home country China, the transition to the Netherlands was not entirely unfamiliar. Yet, the prospect of moving to a non-English-speaking country posed a challenge. I questioned my supervisor multiple times about the necessity of learning Dutch. Fortunately, she assured me that the English level is very high in Nijmegen and the Netherlands. When I came here, Radboud University offered valuable support with the hurdles of finding housing, healthcare, and establishing my life in a new country. For me, the Donders Institute is the ideal place for pursuing an academic path. The friendly and collaborative environment allows me to exchange ideas with researchers from all over the world. Through the university-wide PhD network, I could join fun activities and build my social circle. Coming from big metropolitan cities like Beijing and London, I had to get used to the smaller size and more tranquil ambience of Nijmegen. However, I quickly learned there are still many things to do. The calmer atmosphere also allows me to fully focus on my research during the week. On the weekends, I can easily hop on the train and explore because of the compactness of the Netherlands. I now have found my rhythm at Radboud University, partly because of the great support, internationally friendly work environment, and like-minded people. Yuxuan Dai, PhD Candidate at the Donders Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging

Does this sound like you?

• You hold a Master degree in biology, molecular life sciences, medical sciences or a related field with experience in computational biology (e.g. through computationally-oriented electives or projects), or a Master degree in mathematics, physics, computer science or a related field with a demonstrated strong interest in biology (e.g. through biology-oriented elective courses or projects), or you expect to obtain your Master’s degree with the above-mentioned experience around the starting date of the appointment.
• You have experience in computing languages such as R, Python or similar.
• You bring curiosity and enthusiasm, enjoy thinking critically, communicate openly, and take initiative.
• You are able to work in a team as well as independently.
• You have excellent writing and verbal communication skills in English.
• You comply with the MSCA mobility conditions: you have not resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date, unless as part of a compulsory national service or a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention.

What we offer you

• We will give you a temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) of 1.5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4-year contract).
• You will receive a starting salary of €3,059 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,881 in the fourth year.
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• There may be an opportunity for Dual Career Coaching. The Dual Career Coaching assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20.

Additional employment conditions

Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions reflect this. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself. For example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports membership. In addition, you receive a 34% discount on the sports and cultural activities at Radboud University as an employee. And, of course, we offer a good pension plan. We also give you plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

Where you will be working

You will join Dr Jo Huiqing Zhou’s research team at the Department of Molecular Developmental Biology of the Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Faculty of Science, Radboud University (Nijmegen, The Netherlands). We offer a first-class international research environment in the regulation of gene expression and epigenetics where state-of-the-art genomic and proteomic technologies and bioinformatics are used. We run Next Generation Sequencers, single-cell platforms and mass spectrometers, and accommodate a bioinformatics team and a local computational infrastructure.

Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science (FNWI), part of Radboud University, engages in groundbreaking research and excellent education. In doing so, we push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and pass that knowledge on to the next generation. We seek solutions to major societal challenges, such as cybercrime and climate change and work on major scientific challenges, such as those in the quantum world. At the same time, we prepare our students for careers both within and outside the scientific field. Currently, more than 1,300 colleagues contribute to research and education, some as researchers and lecturers, others as technical and administrative support officers. The faculty has a strong international character with staff from more than 70 countries. Together, we work in an informal, accessible and welcoming environment, with attention and space for personal and professional development for all.

Radboud University
At Radboud University, we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research, providing high-quality education, offering excellent support, and fostering collaborations within and outside the university. In doing so, we contribute indispensably to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. To accomplish this, we need even more colleagues who, based on their expertise, are willing to search for answers. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Will you also contribute to making the world a little better? You have a part to play.

Contact
johuiqing.zhou [at] ru.nl