You will work on the following research objectives: 
1)    Develop methodology for the inference of causal relationships based on microbiome, metabolome, plant transcriptome and phenotype measurements. 
2)    Incorporate biological knowledge, e.g. related to microbial functions or pathways, into this inference approach.
3)    In collaboration with other researchers in the project, apply the methodology to datasets of interest within the MiCRop consortium. 
Tasks and responsibilities

You will:

• develop computational methodology for causal inference;
• make use of available and newly obtained omics datasets as input for your approaches;
• collaborate with both experimental researchers as well as with bioinformatics/systems biology researchers (e.g. other postdocs/PhD students working in the MiCRop project);
• provide data analysis support within MiCRop, e.g. by organizing training events or Q&A sessions; 
• be an active member of the research group and take responsibility for shared tasks; discuss your work with the group members and during BDA and MiCRop meetings; incorporate feedback and give input to others;
• take a leading role in writing manuscripts.

You are passionate about science and have a particular interest in the development and application of computational methodology in biology. You enjoy close collaboration with domain experts. You have a creative mind and look forward to work at the cutting-edge of computational technology. Finally, you are a team player and a pleasant colleague who enjoys being part of an interdisciplinary team of computational researchers and microbiome scientists.
You have/are:

• a PhD in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Bioinformatics, Systems Biology or similar;
• experience with multivariate data such as omics or microbiome data; experience in causal inference is a plus
• able to communicate with non-experts on bioinformatics and/or statistics issues;
• professional command of English.

We offer a temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 12 months. After satisfactory evaluation the contract will be extended with 36 months. The preferred starting date is May 1st, 2025. The salary, depending on relevant experience before the beginning of the employment contract, will be between € 3.378 – 5.331 gross per month, based on a fulltime contract (38 hours a week). This is exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable. 

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:
•    232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime);
•    multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
•    the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
•    help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad. 

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.