Vacancy PhD candidate 'Bridging the Gap: Exploring Missing Heritability in Rare Diseases'

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join our research team working at the intersection of genomics, rare diseases, and genetic tumor risk syndromes. The project focuses on the identification and interpretation of genomic variants to unravel disease mechanisms in patients with suspected genetic disorders or hereditary cancer predispositions.

Using large-scale next-generation sequencing (NGS) data, you will contribute to the discovery of novel disease genes, the interpretation of variant pathogenicity, and the elucidation of underlying molecular pathways. The work will involve close collaboration between clinicians, bioinformaticians, and molecular biologists in an interdisciplinary and translational research environment.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Analyzing and interpreting NGS data, including short- and long-read whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and whole-exome sequencing (WES) data, to identify post-zygotic and germline variation, structural variation, and other genomic abnormalities.
• Design and perform scientific research in the area of rare diseases, particularly genetic tumor risk syndromes.
• Present findings at local and (inter)national scientific meetings.
• Collaborate with researchers within European Reference Networks (ERN) and the European Rare Diseases Research Alliance (ERDERA; erdera.org).
• Work in an interdisciplinary team with other students and scientists to discuss, plan, and perform research.
• Finish the project with a scientific dissertation.

Place of work

The Department of Genetics is involved in genetic counseling, diagnostic and scientific research into genetic disorders, rare diseases and congenital abnormalities. The department has over 400 employees and consists of three closely collaborating sections: Clinical Genetics, Genome Diagnostics, and Genome Research. This collaboration results in a leading department with a constant drive for innovation and improvement in diagnostics and genetic care.

The department of Human Genetics participates in several of the Radboudumc Research programs, such as the research program 'Genomics for Rare Diseases' and 'Hereditary Cancer'. These programs work at the forefront of rare disease gene and mechanism discoveries, aiming to enhance rare disease understanding and diagnostics through comprehensive data sharing, advanced genomic technologies, and functional interpretation of genetic variation. The research of this PhD trajectory is embedded within the Research Institute for Medical Innovation, and the development of the PhD candidate is supported by the Radboud Graduate School.

Radboudumc
Welcome to Radboud university medical center (Radboudumc), where scientific breakthroughs are born through the curiosity and passion of our collaborating researchers in a vibrant environment. We believe trust and excitement are crucial elements to achieving our goals, and we approach our research as teams and with the utmost rigor to make a significant impact on health and healthcare. Our researchers are driven by their fascination with the biological, psychological, and sociological mechanisms underlying health and healthcare. They collaborate with partners from all over the world to improve health outcomes for all. Radboudumc unites patient care, research, education, and corporate learning, which allows us to approach our mission to shape the health and healthcare of the future in an innovative and person-centered way.

Our ambition is to lead the way in the pursuit of prevention, sustainability, meaningful care. We believe that through our research, we can significantly improve the health and well-being of society. Join us on our mission to make a difference in healthcare. Become a part of our community of gifted researchers, professionals or patient partners who are dedicated to making a real impact on population health and healthcare. 

Read what it is like to do a PhD at the Radboud University Medical Center.

Profile

You must hold a Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Medical Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related discipline. We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated candidate with a strong and demonstrable interest in genomics, rare diseases, and/or tumor risk syndromes.

Experience with next-generation sequencing technologies, bioinformatics, and statistical analysis is highly desirable. Familiarity with scripting languages (e.g., R) and working in a Linux/command-line environment is considered an advantage.

Moreover, you have:

• A critical and analytical scientific mindset.
• Attention to detail and a structured approach to data management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Fluency in both spoken and written English.
• The ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research team.
• Curiosity, resilience, and a strong drive to learn and innovate.

Employment conditions

At Radboud university medical center, you build on your future. We are committed to providing the best care, education, and research. And we are true to our word, because we help you develop and seize opportunities and give you the room to grow. As an employer, we believe that employees should feel vital and happy at work in all stages of life. We are also committed to creating a healthy and safe working environment. Our employment conditions contribute to that. What we offer:

• Upon commencement of employment, you will start at scale 10A, step 0 (€ 3.017 based on a full-time appointment). Over a maximum period of 4 years, you will progress to scale 10A, step 3 (€3.824 based on a full-time appointment). You will also receive an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and a 47% to 72% bonus for working unsocial hours.
• From 1 July 2025 an increase in salary with 3%.
• 176 vacation hours per year based on a 36-hour working week. 

And there is more..

• An Employment Conditions Selection Model, allowing you to use part of your employment conditions to your choosing. For example, you can use your gross salary to purchase additional vacation hours or hours for providing informal caregiving. Or, for example, you can use your gross end-of-year bonus to purchase a bicycle, so you pay less tax.
• Plenty of opportunities for personal development. You can take a variety of courses in our online learning environment. 
• Your well-being and vitality are a priority. For example:
  • Save time for work-life balance leave. 
  • You can enjoy unlimited access to a variety of activities five days a month and take advantage of all the facilities at Radboud Sport & Culture for only €27.05 per month (instead of €41)
  • Healthy Professionals program to help you manage your energy. 
  • Company Support Team and a personal coach if you are going through a life-changing event.
  • Financially beneficial working less through a Generation Scheme as you approach state pension age.
• Support in achieving a good work-life balance at every stage of your life. Examples:
  • Advice and courses on, for example, 'Millennial dilemmas' and 'Your Career After 57'.
  • Activities at our own mindfulness center.
  • Informal caregiving consultations if you have questions about juggling work and caregiving responsibilities at home.
• In addition to statutory pregnancy and maternity leave, Radboud university medical center offers 26 weeks of parental leave, nine of which are paid. In addition, as a partner you can take a maximum of five weeks of supplementary partner leave. During supplementary partner leave and parental leave, we supplement the UWV benefit up to 100% of your salary.
• Pension accrual at the ABP Pension Fund. Radboud university medical center pays 70% of the pension premium. 
• Discounts on supplementary packages of two group health insurances and ten other types of insurance, from home insurance to legal assistance.
• An allowance for your commuting costs of € 0.18 per km up to a maximum of 40 km one way. If you use public transport to commute, we will fully reimburse the public transport costs (2nd class). If you regularly work from home, you will receive a working from home allowance of € 2.40 per day.

Application procedure

Are you ready to think further for our patients and our care? We would like to receive your application before 28 May 2025. We will then contact you shortly.

Good to know

• This position requires a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).
• You can find more information about our application procedure and frequently asked questions on our website.
• Will you be our new colleague? Then you will be given the time and space to get to know your role, your workplace, and your colleagues. An induction day for all new colleagues is an integral part of your onboarding program. 

We are recruiting for this position ourselves. Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated, but do feel free to share the vacancy in your network!

Contact

Any questions? Or wondering what it is like to work at Radboudumc? Then email to Ricarda de Voer, Associate Professor Cancer Genomics. Use the Apply button to submit your application.