In this role, you will contribute to an interdisciplinary project highlighting the work within the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM) at Maastricht University. In addition, you will be contributing to teaching execution in the BSc and MSc Biomedical Sciences.

Job Description
You will work as a researcher (including teaching tasks of about 0,2fte) at the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, as part of NUTRIM, at Maastricht University. As part of an interdisciplinary team, including expertise in genetic toxicology, molecular biology and nutrigenetics, you will be contributing to research in the field of disease prediction and prevention. The project’s main aim is to study the role of DNA repair in the risk of developing obesity, using genetics and epigenetics data. The second aim is to look at the interactions between plant-based diets and (epi)genetic variants, and their associations with disease incidence. Data from the UKBiobank and GenerationR cohort will be available.

In addition, you will also be involved in teaching activities such as tutorials and grading/evaluation. It is expected that you will contribute to, and coauthor, at least two original research publications in peer-reviewed journals. Overall, this role will include tasks such as:

• Data analysis via R or alternative bioinformatics tools;
• Data integration of multiple OMICS;
• Contributing to manuscript writing;
• Teaching execution;
• Grading/evaluation.

Requirements
As a Postdoc in the abovementioned context, the preferred candidate should possess the following skills and/or qualifications:

• A PhD degree in bioinformatics, molecular biology or related fields (Candidates nearing completion of their PhD degree are eligible to apply);
• Experience with omics and molecular biology techniques;
• Ample experience with programming and bioinformatic tools for analyzing human (epi)genome data;
• Previous experience with UKBiobank data is an asset;
• Affinity for and strong motivation to focus on nutrigenetics and genetic toxicology related research topics;
• A proven track record of a high research quality;
• Exceptional curiosity with advanced problem-solving abilities;
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
• Ability to supervise (junior) scientists and support staff;
• Proficiency in English, along with excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to be flexible with their schedule;
• Previous teaching experience is an asset.

What we offer
As a Postoc researcher at the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:

• Good employment conditions. The position is graded in scale 10 according to UFO profile Researcher, function level 4, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €3345,00 and €5278,00 gross per month (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
• An employment contract for a period of 24 months with a scope of 1,0 FTE.
• At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, namely carnival Monday, carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model.
• As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students.
• Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as 'acknowledge and appreciate'.

The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply. For more information, click here.

Maastricht University
Why work at Maastricht University?
At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research.

In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers.

With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community.

Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute however your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together.

Click here for more information about UM.

Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences
At the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), everything revolves around healthy living. Our research and education are not solely focused on recovery, but place a strong emphasis on prevention, health preservation, and health promotion. Our aim is to use our knowledge and expertise to genuinely contribute to the well-being of individual people as well as society in total.

In, research, and healthcare, FHML is closely collaborating with the academic hospital in Maastricht, together forming the Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+). FHML is strongly connected in education, research, and care with the Maastricht academic hospital, together with which it forms the Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+).

FHML, which is the largest faculty of Maastricht University, is formed by an (inter)national community of employees and students. The faculty offers a wide range of Dutch and English-taught bachelor's and master's programs in innovative educational concepts in which the emphasis is always on building bridges to practice.

The multidisciplinary research of the FHML focuses on a number of carefully chosen topical current themes. In addition to research aimed at gaining new insights, it also concerns research whose results can be directly translated into concrete applications and innovations. The implementation of the various research programs is organized in our six graduate schools and two institutes.

Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
A multidisciplinary team of biologists, chemists, pharmacologists and toxicologists work together in the Pharmacology & Toxicology department. On the one hand, they investigate how diseases can arise after exposure to chemicals from food, lifestyle and environment (toxicology), and on the other hand, how diseases can be treated using medicines (pharmacology). The research is conducted at the (bio)chemical, cellular, organ or individual level. An important task is also to provide education to bachelor's and master's students within the FHML courses. The department consists of approximately 30 employees (teachers and researchers), and approximately 25 PhD candidates who work on projects aimed at preventing and treating diseases.

Curious?
Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Dr. Sabine Langie at s.langie@maastrichtuniversity.nl and/or Dr. Roger Godschalk at r.godschalk@maastrichtuniversity.nl for more information.

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new Postdoc researcher? Apply now, no later than September 1, 2024, for this position.

The first interviews preferably take place between 8-12 September. The preferred startdate is 1 October 2024.

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.