BACKGROUND:
A novel Onco-proteomics research laboratory is currently being established in the new research building of the VUmc-Cancer Center Amsterdam (CCA), with â??state-of-the-artâ?? proteomics technology, including on-line nanoLC-Fourier Transform and MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry. The laboratory will facilitate research in the exciting field of cancer proteomics with the aim to discover novel biomarkers for early cancer detection and the design of targeted therapy.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will be responsible for the development of new data processing and statistical approaches for the analysis of high dimensionality, multi-variate data sets as typically produced by hyphenated analytical techniques like LC-MS. Data derived from cancer patient samples will be generated by other members of the Oncoproteomics Laboratory. The main task of this larger project is to develop robust data pre-processing routines (e.g. discrimination between peaks, noise and spikes; assignment of charge-states and deconvolution; deisotoping; peak matching and normalization) combined with multi-variate statistical approaches (supervised and non-supervised) to create reliable statistical models that are validated and robust enough for patient classification and biomarker discovery. You will work in close collaboration with an inter-disciplinary team of experts in proteomics (Dr. Connie Jimenez, OncoProteomics Laboratory), department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology (Prof. Dr. M. Boers), department of Statistics (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Prof.Dr. Aad van der Vaart), and department of Computer Science (Vrije Universteit Amsterdam, Dr. Elena Marchiori).

REQUIREMENTS

The candidate is expected to have a PhD in computer science/ biostatistics/ bioinformatics, with a strong background in experimental data analysis and programming skills in C++, Java and Matlab. Project management skills, teamwork and leadership, as well as the ability to work effectively with academic colleagues, are all important qualifications for this position.

PREFERENCES

Familiarity with machine learning techniques for classification, in particular support vector machines, is preferred but not required.

TERMS:
3-year basis, with possibility for extension

LOCALE:
OncoProteomics Laboratory, Dept. Medical Oncology, VU UNiversity Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

COMPENSATION

PostDoc salary which depends on the senior status of the applicant, in accordance to the standards of the VU University Medical Center.

HOW TO APPLY:
Send a CV by email to cluster1.bureau[at]vumc.nl, with cc to connie.jimenez[at]falw.vu.nl. For more information on the positions contact Dr. Connie R. Jimenez (connie.jimenez[at]falw.vu.nl).

DEADLINE: as soon as a excellent candidate is found, prefferably before Feb/ MArch 2006.