We are seeking a motivated and innovative Postdoctoral Researcher with expertise in data science and exercise- or muscle physiology to join our cutting-edge research on post-COVID syndrome. This project focuses on unraveling the pathophysiology of post-exertional malaise (PEM) in post-COVID patients, with the ultimate goal of identifying diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic strategies.

Project Overview
Post-COVID syndrome is a new disease characterized by fatigue, muscle pain, and PEM, which resembles myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) (see our work PMID: 38177128). This interdisciplinary project combines advanced -omics techniques with muscle and exercise physiology to:

1. Characterize skeletal muscle and immune cell responses to exercise
2. Study the acute effects of exercise on blood, immune responses, and the autonomic nervous system

Responsibilities

• Perform data analysis of various -omics datasets from skeletal muscle and blood.
• Develop and implement bioinformatics pipelines to analyze large-scale data data.
• Integrate physiological data (e.g., heart rate variability) with molecular findings.
• Collaborate with experimental scientists, clinicians, and external partners on biomarker validation and hypothesis generation.
• Contribute to scientific dissemination through high-impact publications, conference presentations, and collaborative discussions.

• A Ph.D. in Human Movement Sciences, Bioinformatics, Data Science or related fields.
• Expertise in analyzing -omics data.
• Proficiency in programming languages (e.g., R, Python) and statistical methods for biological data analysis.
• Experience with machine learning and predictive modeling in biomarker discovery is an asset.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to work in a multidisciplinary environment.
• You have excellent verbal and written English language skills
• A proven track record of peer-reviewed publications.

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

Fixed-term contract: 2 year.

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of minimum € 3.345,00 (Scale 10) and maximum € 5.278,00 (Scale 10) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile Researcher 4. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
• a position for 1 FTE. Your employment contract will last 24 months.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• contribution to commuting expenses
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

About the team
This post-COVID project is led by Dr Rob Wüst and is part of the Section Physiology at the Department of Human Movement Sciences at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. The group is world-leading in its work on muscle physiology and responses to exercise, physical inactivity and in patients with post-COVID condition. Other scientific staff members include Prof Richard Jaspers, Dr Richie Goulding, and we work closely with clinicians treating post-COVID patients. The research group has expertise in skeletal muscle signaling, metabolism and function and uses techniques ranging from bioinformatics, (electron/immuno-fluorescence) imaging, biomedical laboratory techniques to whole-body exercise responses. The group values high quality research, personal development, and social cohesion within an international atmosphere. The lab consists of ~15 PhD students from all over the world. We have a bi-weekly lab meeting, a weekly team meeting, as well as regular social events.

Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences
Developing knowledge for an active, healthy and meaningful life: that is our mission at the Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences at VU Amsterdam. We maintain a broad focus on the fields of behaviour and health. Our teaching and research programmes are devoted to current developments in society. From healthy aging to e-health, and from training top athletes to social media as a teaching tool. We combine three academic disciplines: psychology, movement sciences and education. A multidisciplinary approach allows us to arrive at a better understanding of human behaviour and movement. Our aims are to help people live healthier lives, learn better and function better.

Are you interested in joining Behavioural and Movement Sciences? You are the kind of person who feels at home working in an ambitious faculty, with an informal atmosphere and short lines of communication. We offer you all the space you need for personal development. Together with your 630 colleagues, you will take care of about 4,200 students.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our research field?

Please apply via the formal application route and upload your curriculum vitae and motivation letter before December 31, 2024. In your motivation letter, please devote (at least) one paragraph stating what you have investigated so far, and another paragraph outlining what you would hope to investigate if you would be hired for the advertised position.Finally, please also include the contact information of two references in your letter.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.