The Faculty of Science, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), is looking for an

Assistant Professor: Computational Modelling in Translational Metabolomics  (1.0 fte)

Job description

The Metabolomics & Analytics Centre (MAC) at the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Netherlands, wants to hire an Assistant Professor (Computational Modelling in Metabolomics & Fluxomics). This position comprises research and teaching. The research will be at the interface between systems biology, computational modelling, tracer based fluxomics experiments and metabolomics, with a focus on developing algorithms and models that can aid MAC’s mission to advance personalized healthcare. Your work will include the development of novel computational methods and models to investigate the differences of metabolism of patients in either a snap-shot approach or in longitudinal studies. You will use real world data as input to build your patient specific models. You will integrate these innovative workflows with FAIR compatible data and data objects. You will do this research in collaboration with other researchers in the Metabolomics & Analytics Centre, and you will (co-)supervise PhD students and MSc students. In terms of Education, your task will be to contribute to the educational programs of LACDR, which include Bachelor and Master programs in Biopharmaceutical Sciences (BPS). These programs train students at the leading edge of drug-design and fundamental research of new drugs, optimization of existing drugs, and personalized medicine. You will be involved in the successful management of the Metabolomics & Analytics Centre by contributing to supervision, group meetings, publications, and grant proposals.

Key responsibilities
The responsibilities of the position include:

• Supervision of Bachelor, Master, and PhD students
• Coordination, teaching, and development of courses in our Bachelor and Master programs
• Leading and coordinating efforts towards the development of innovative computational models for metabolomic measurements and fluxomic experiments.
• Leading and coordinating efforts towards the development of FAIR datapoints for metabolomics
• Leading efforts to link metabolomics data with real world data
• Participation in various Management teams for overall group management
• Contribution to acquiring and managing research funding
• Publishing in well-recognized scientific journals

Selection criteria

• A candidate who can use both experience in fluxomics and metabolomics to develop novel computational models and workflows.
• PhD in medical systems biology or computational biology (or equivalent).
• Demonstrated ability to publish articles in peer-reviewed journals, and to have given presentations at international conferences.
• Enthusiasm and experience in teaching, with experience in supervising Bachelor, Master, and PhD students.
• Basic teaching qualification (BKO) or equivalent, or willingness to acquire such a qualification; prior experience in teaching (development and coordination of courses) in the field of (analytical) chemistry or pharmaceutical sciences is an asset.
• Extensive experience using R and MATLAB
• Candidate is capable to speak/willing to learn Dutch.
• Knowledge and experience in (bio)pharmaceutical research & metabolomics.
• Experience in FAIR workflows is considered a plus.
• Good organization and social skills.

Our organization
The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. The LACDR is an international leading drug research institute. The Metabolomics & Analytics Centre (MAC) has been a pioneer in Metabolomics since early 2000, and combines advanced metabolomics technologies, innovative sample preparation and robotics, and computational and FAIR digital twinning expertise’s. MAC is involved in many academic and industrial collaborations.  

Terms and conditions
The appointment will be under the terms of the Collective Labour Agreement (CAO) of Dutch Universities. You will be offered a temporary appointment for 12 months. Depending on performance, the position can be extended to a permanent position.

The salary varies, depending on qualifications and experience, from € 3,974.- to € 5,439.- gross per month based on full-time employment (scale 11 for Assistant professor), plus an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development.

Diversity
Diversity and inclusion are core values of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community which enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High quality teaching and research is inclusive.

Information
Enquiries can be made to Prof. dr. Thomas Hankemeier, e-mail: hankemeier@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl.   

If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact Mrs. Ina Hazejager (e-mail: abs@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl , telephone: +31 71 527 4220).

Instructions for applications
To apply for this vacancy, please send an email to Prof. dr. Thomas Hankemeier; abs@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl.  Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:

• A letter of motivation;
• A CV highlighting research and teaching experience;
• Reference list from prior supervisors/employers.

Only applications received before 24 arpil 2023 can be considered.

Acquisition following this advertisement is not appreciated.