Researcher/postdoctoral researcher in next-gen sequencing and bioinformatics

Let’s shape the future – University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20 000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow’s world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape. 

The Laboratory of Medical Microbiology (LMM) within the Vaccine- and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO) of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of the University of Antwerp is world top in the study of antimicrobial use, resistance development, and diagnostics for infectious diseases. The laboratory  is seeking to fill a full-time (100%) researcher/postdoctoral researcher in next-gen sequencing and bioinformatics.

Position

  • You are responsible for the LMM sequencing unit from the hands-on wet lab work, to the sequencing instrumentation, associated bioinformatics tools and QC
  • You provide support in Next Generation Sequencing projects (bacterial whole genome sequencing , metagenomics shotgun and 16s sequencing);
  • You oversee and troubleshoot nucleic acid isolation and sequencing runs on different sequencing platforms (Illumina, Pacbio, Nanopore);
  • You are involved in optimization and implementation of new NGS protocols/assays
  • You are involved in downstream sequencing data analysis (primarily bacterial whole genome sequencing data; shotgun metagenomics data analysis is a plus).
  • Proficiency with Unix and programming languages such as R and Python is a plus
  • You are involved in the further implementation and improvement of the quality management system for the NGS and bioinformatics workflows and infrastructure.
  • You interact with technicians, PhD students and senior researchers as well as with external collaborators.
  • You will fulfil a limited number of teaching activities related to NGS demonstrations.

Profile

  • You hold a Master or Doctoral degree (PhD) in in the fields of Bioinformatics, Molecular biology, Molecular Microbiology, Genetics, Functional Genomics, Biochemistry or related specialties; preferentially with a background in (micro)biology;
  • You are well-experienced with hands-on wet lab work on NGS platforms (DNA/RNA isolation and manipulation, NGS library prep, QC and sequencing).
  • Experience with high throughput operation of automated liquid handler is a plus
  • You have a broad bioinformatics base in next-generation sequencing technologies and can handle large NGS data sets
  • You have experience in managing and maintaining sequencing related instrumentations
  • You have basic knowledge in microbiology
  • You have knowledge of computing environments, cloud-based solutions, and hardware specifications to manage and store Big data. 
  • Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies
  • You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation
  • You have excellent knowledge of English;
  • You are used to working in a multi-disciplinary context;
  • You can work independently and take up responsibility;

What we offer

  • We offer a full-time contract as a researcher/postdoc researcher for an initial period of 1 year with the possibility of extension after positive evaluation.
  • Your gross monthly salary is calculated according to the pay scale for a principal research fellow in the contract research staff category (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
  • You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, a group insurance, an income protection insurance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
  • The date of appointment will be as soon as possible
  • You will do most of your work at Campus Drie Eiken in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
  • Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

  • You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 28 February 2023.  Click on ‘apply’, complete the online application form and don’t forget to include the following document(s): a motivation letter and your academic CV.
  • The selection committee will review all of the applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision has been made, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure.
  • If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Surbhi Malhotra-Kumar, surbhi.malhotra@uantwerpen.be.

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.

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