BACKGROUND:
SymBioSys is a consortium of computational and molecular biologists and (cyto)geneticists at the University of Leuven (Belgium) focusing on the detection of individual genomic variation, how it arises and leads to specific types of constitutional disorders and cancer. We develop innovative computational strategies for the analysis of next-gen sequencing data and biological networks, with demonstrated impact on actual biological breakthroughs.

Related SymBioSys Publications:

• Vanneste E et al. Chromosome instability is common in human cleavage-stage embryos. Nat Med. 2009;15(5):577-83.
• Vanneste E et al. What next for preimplantation genetic screening? High mitotic chromosome instability rate provides the biological basis for the low success rate. Hum Reprod. 2009; 24(11):2679-82.
• Le Caignec C et al. Single-cell chromosomal imbalances detection by array CGH. Nucleic Acids Res. 2006;34(9):e68.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
The candidate will be a key player in a work package focused on the development and application of massive parallel sequencing-based methodology to detect genetic variants in the genome of a single cell, with an initial emphasis on structural variant detection. We have as a consortium established expertise in single cell genomics by combining state-of-the-art microarray-based methods with novel bioinformatic and statistical approaches which led to the discovery of chromosome instability, a hallmark of cancer, in early human embryogenesis as well as to a number of very recent international collaborations with top researchers in the field of embryo-genetics, cancer-genetics and neuro-genetics. Part of these methods is now being evaluated in a clinical trial.

Specifically, the candidate will develop sequencing-based methodology using paired-end mapping and read depth strategies to detect copy number variants (deletions, duplications, amplifications), balanced structural variants (inversions, insertions, translocations) as well as other variants (retrotransposition, SNPs, mutations) in a genome of a single (human) cell and apply this ethodology to gain novel insight in genetic stability, the etiology of constitutional and acquired genetic variation, and tumour biology. This involves day-to-day collaboration with other postdocs who develop bioinformatic strategies for genetic variant detection and visualization based on massive parallel sequence analysis of genomic DNA extracted from blood or tumors.

The candidate will collaborate closely with researchers across the consortium and contribute to the reporting of the project. Qualified candidates will be offered the opportunity to work semi-independently under the supervision of a senior investigator, mentor PhD students, and contribute to the acquisition of new funding.

REQUIREMENTS:

• The ideal candidate holds a PhD degree in bioinformatics-genomics with a good understanding of genetics and DNA sequencing technology and has experience in molecular biology.
• The position necessitates good analytical, algorithmic and mathematical skills.
• Programming and (statistical) data analysis experience is essential.
• Good communication skills are important for this role.
• A three-year commitment is expected from the candidate.

PREFERENCES:

• Prior experience working with (Illumina) sequencing data and/or assembly / alignment of next-generation data as well as a PhD relating to the development and application of methods for genome-wide detection of genetic variation would be a distinct advantage, but is not required.

TERMS:
Start date is as early as practical.

COMPENSATION:
We offer a competitive package and a fun, dynamic environment with a top-notch consortium of young leading scientists in bioinformatics, human genetics, and cancer. Our consortium offers a rare level of interdisciplinarity, from machine learning algorithms to fundamental advances in molecular biology to direct access to the clinic.

LOCALE:
This research will be performed at the intersection of the Department of Human Genetics, the Department of Electrical Engineering and the Genomics Core Facility. You will be part of the Department of Human Genetics which is a vivid international research centre that studies key issues relevant to human health. The University of Leuven is one of Europe’s leading research universities, with English as the working language for research. Leuven is one of Europe’s most beautiful university towns, just outside Brussels, at the heart of Europe.

HOW TO APPLY:
Please send in PDF: (1) a CV including education (with Grade Point Average, class rank, honors, etc.), research experience, and bibliography, (2) a one-page research statement, and (3) three references (with phone and email) to Thierry.Voet[at]med.kuleuven.be, Cc Prof. Jan Aerts - Jan.Aerts[at]gmail.com and Prof. Joris Vermeesch - Joris.Vermeesch[at]med.kuleuven.be.

DEADLINE: October 15, 2010