Postdoctoral researcher Human Genetics

About your role

For iCNS, we are developing a neuropsychiatric atlas that combines clinical, genetic and neuropathological data with multimodal molecular measurements (bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing, long- and short-read sequencing, proteomics and more). This unique and diverse dataset offers extensive opportunities for research. The clinical data will be derived from medical records made accessible through Large Language Models (LLMs); not every assay is available for every sample; measurements are collected at different levels (bulk/clinical data at donor level versus single-cell data at cell level); and a wealth of additional public datasets is available (such as psychENCODE, single-cell brain atlases and large-scale perturbation screens) that can be integrated.

The central theme of this position is multimodal and multiscale modelling of genomic data in neuropsychiatric disorders, with the aim of identifying molecular signatures and candidate targets. We also explicitly want to provide you with the opportunity to help shape the direction of the project based on your own interests and expertise. Building on previous work by our research group in multimodal and single-cell/spatial data integration (such as SpaGE, SIRV, scAGG and CPP), possible research directions include:

• Multimodal integration: learning joint representations across heterogeneous and partially overlapping data types.
• Multiscale integration: linking bulk/clinical data with single-cell measurements to establish connections between information at patient, sample and cell level.
• Linking patient and perturbation data: integrating observational single-cell atlases with in vitro perturbation data to identify and prioritise candidate targets.

We expect the emphasis within these research directions, as well as the specific methods to be applied, to be further defined in consultation with you throughout the project.

About your workplace

The Department of Human Genetics is a leading research department where, among other things, scientific research is translated into clinical applications. Under the leadership of Prof. Dr Silvère van der Maarel, research focuses on the genetic aspects of hereditary and acquired diseases.

What makes this department special is its dynamic environment. With around 220 colleagues from the Netherlands and abroad – ranging from students and interns to experienced researchers and professors – you will work in an environment where different perspectives come together. The 24 research groups are organised across four research lines, creating a broad and inspiring working environment.

You will be part of the group led by Dr Ahmed Mahfouz at LUMC, who is an ELLIS member and is also affiliated with the Pattern Recognition and Bioinformatics group at TU Delft. Within iCNS, you will work closely with Dr Inge Holtman (UMCG) and other iCNS partners as part of a fully integrated project team spanning multiple institutions.

About iCNS: The Institute for Chemical Neuroscience (iCNS) aims to discover molecular changes in the human brain that underlie psychiatric symptoms and/or symptom clusters, such as depression, anxiety and psychosis. In an NWO-supported Gravitation consortium, neurobiologists, chemists, psychiatrists and data scientists work closely together using unique and well-documented human brain tissue from the Netherlands Brain Bank. Early-career scientists receive further training in combining chemistry, artificial intelligence and neurobiology. Ultimately, the interdisciplinary research conducted within iCNS will lead to a molecular ‘brain atlas’ of psychiatric symptoms and to new leads and approaches for improving the future diagnosis, prognosis and potential treatment of psychiatric disorders.

About you

You approach complex datasets and methodological challenges analytically and independently. At the same time, you actively seek collaboration with researchers from different disciplines and institutions. You communicate ideas and research findings clearly within an interdisciplinary, multi-site consortium.

In addition, you have:

• A PhD in (bio)informatics, computational biology, computer science, biomedical sciences, statistics or a related quantitative field.
• Strong programming skills, for example in Python and/or R, experience with machine learning or deep learning, and high-performance computing.
• Preferably, experience analysing single-cell and spatial genomics data.
• Preferably, an affinity with neuroscience, psychiatric disorders and/or the analysis of unstructured healthcare data.

Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset. You will be working within an interdisciplinary consortium across multiple research sites.  

Our offer

Driven by health; that is our mission. Naturally, this applies not only to our patients, but also to our employees. We strive to provide a safe, inclusive and equitable working environment in which talent development and connecting leadership are key. To support continuous learning and development, we offer internal training and continuing education opportunities. In addition, you are entitled to an end-of-year bonus (8.3%), holiday allowance, a bicycle scheme, sports budget, working-from-home allowance and an excellent commuting allowance. As an LUMC employee, you are also enrolled in the ABP pension fund. This means that LUMC pays no less than 70% of your pension contribution, leaving you with a higher net salary. A nice extra!

See all employment conditions of the LUMC.

What do we represent?

As an academic medical centre, LUMC strives for a workforce that reflects the diversity of society. We are committed to the highest quality in healthcare, education and international research, where diverse perspectives are essential. Sustainability is also a high priority for us: we are committed to a healthy future, not only for people but also for the planet. In line with these values, we aim to provide a creative and inspiring workplace where it is essential that everyone feels at home, safe and recognised. What matters to us is who you are and what you contribute, regardless of your background. Together, we are working towards a sustainable and inclusive future, both for the people around us and for the world we live in. Together, we are LUMC.

More information

• As a dedicated postdoctoral researcher, your salary will range from € 3,724 to € 5,867 gross per month (scale 10, Collective Labour Agreement for University Medical Centres). These amounts are based on full-time employment.
• A 3.5% salary increase will take effect on 1 May 2027.
• The position is initially offered for one year, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of three years.
• The selection procedure consists of several stages, including an introductory interview and a presentation during a possible follow-up interview. Detailed information about the next steps in the application process will follow shortly.
• Please provide the names and contact details of two references when submitting your application.
• This vacancy is open to both internal and external candidates. In accordance with LUMC policy, internal candidates will be given priority in the selection process in the event of equal suitability.
• Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.