Senior Scientist Bioinformatics

ProQR Therapeutics is a biotechnology company listed on NASDAQ with offices in Leiden, the Netherlands and Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. ProQR is focused on the development of life changing RNA therapies to meet the unmet need of individuals and families with common and rare diseases. A team of 150+ enthusiastic ProQRians from all walks of life and more than 30 different nationalities is up to this challenge. We have the passion and commitment to make a difference in the lives of the communities we serve. Our proprietary Axiomer® RNA editing technology platform enables the editing of specific single nucleotides in RNA using the cells own editing machinery. Axiomer® RNA editing technology harnesses ADAR (Adenosine Deaminase Acting on RNA), which is machinery present in all human cells to repair G-to-A mutations, modulate protein, and enable protective mutation functions. Axiomer could potentially yield a new class of innovative medicines and treat currently untreatable diseases.

Our R&D department is currently looking for an experienced Senior Scientist Bioinformatics to join our team in Leiden. The Senior Scientist Bioinformatics will lead bioinformatics activities that support the wet-lab colleagues with the analysis of transcriptomics studies, will develop and optimize (new) (in silico) analytical methods to accurately understand RNA processing variants in our model systems, and how they are affected by oligonucleotide drugs.

We expect our Senior Scientist Bioinformatics to have:

• An advanced degree (PhD or equivalent) in bioinformatics or another scientific field related to biology or chemistry followed by at least 4 years of work experience in Pharmaceutical/Biotechnology industry (strongly preferred) or 6-8 years of relevant academic research experience
• Solid skills in the relevant programming languages (Python-preferred, R, Java, etc)
• In-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in analyzing both differential gene expression and RNA isoform expression in transcriptomic (RNA-seq) data sets
• Solid understanding of Next Generation Sequencing and RNA biology, with organic chemistry/ genetic disorders and/or oligonucleotide-based therapies as a plus
• Solid knowledge of statistical methods and how to apply them to molecular biology questions
• Experience with Linux and High-Performance Computing
• Experience with version control systems (Git)
• Experience with setting up the relevant infrastructure (hardware, software, and other tools)
• Experience with working in a project-based environment with multidisciplinary teams
• Experience with relational databases is a plus
• Affinity with finding solutions for uncommon problems and critical about own work
• Passion for innovation and drive to deliver new therapies to patients with high unmet needs

Key Responsibilities

• You perform transcriptomic analyses in the field of RNA therapeutics.
• You develop, maintain, and improve data analysis pipelines, including version control.
• You perform advanced statistical analyses and implement updates based on new scientific insights.
• You guide a team of bioinformaticians by assigning tasks, setting up priorities and educating them in your area of expertise.
• You represent the bioinformatic team as SME in project and interdepartmental meetings, with different stakeholders within the organization
• You make project decisions, identify opportunities, and define next steps.
• You contribute to maintain and curate database systems containing various experimental data types.
• You ensure the quality of your analyses by establishing reproducible methods and writing clear documentation.
• You work in a multidisciplinary team in close collaboration with wet-lab scientists, technicians, project leads.

Skills and competencies that are required for making the difference:

• Good communicator at all levels of the organization
• Team player
• Scientifically accurate and pragmatic
• Creative and constructive thinker
• Flexible and adaptable
• Hands-on mentality
• Pro-active and pragmatic self-starter, with a result-oriented mindset
• Autonomous and coachable
• Strong business acumen
• Being able to work in a fast-paced environment
• Being able to prioritize multiple tasks
• Patient-oriented attitude
• Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English
• A nice person 😊

ProQR as an employer

As an employer, we are a true believer of the value of a workforce in which people from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to develop themselves, personally and professionally. We believe that happy and energized people, working well together in an environment in which they thrive, will do phenomenal and awesome things.

We are committed to ensure that no employee, candidate, or job applicant receives less favorable treatment on the grounds of race, age, disability, pregnancy, religion, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership status. At ProQR we want to create an inclusive culture where everyone can be valued for who they are and in which individual differences and the contributions in all forms are recognized and valued.

We offer an exciting and innovative working environment in a very committed organization, with the following benefits:

• 8% holiday allowance
• 30 vacation days
• An annual performance bonus
• Stock options
• A premium-free pension plan
• A commuting allowance
• A subsidized staff restaurant
• Unlimited (un)healthy snacks and drinks
• Employee events (boot camp, Rebel Café and other social events)

Do you think you can contribute to achieving our mission? If so, we’re looking forward to receiving your application by filling out our application form.

You can contact Silvia Catellani via recruitment@proqr.com if you have any questions.