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The Faculty of Science and the Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research are looking for a

Technician in Artificial Intelligence and computational drug discovery (0.8-1.0 fte)

Project description
Within the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), part of the faculty of science, we are looking for a technician in the area of AI and computational drug discovery. Research within our division, Medicinal Chemistry, is focused on developing tools to improve the drug discovery process. The vacancy is in the PI group Computational Drug Discovery (CDD) and embedded in the national growth fund project Oncode Accelerator, specifically the AI platform.

CDD works on the intersect between medicinal chemistry and computational sciences and applies novel AI algorithms to chemical and biological data. Furthermore, close collaborations are in place with other PI groups allowing synthesis and biological testing of AI designed molecules.

The Oncode Accelerator AI platform will develop, train, and verify AI tools which will be implemented throughout the preclinical development process in close collaboration with 5 academic and 7 commercial partners. The aim is to optimize and accelerate the development of new cancer therapies by integrating patient data and materials, organoid models, and AI at early stages in preclinical therapy development.

The technician will be responsible for support of Oncode Accelerator developed tools and AI platform data in ongoing projects. In addition, the vacancy includes the following tasks and responsibilities:

• Application and integration of state-of-the-art computational tools in the drug discovery process within the Oncode Accelerator consortia
• Development and maintenance of standing python-based machine learning models
• Participate in the Oncode Accelerator AI platform data management group
• Learn and apply novel computational methods and instruments
• Writing manuals and protocols for (PhD) students
• Updating and patching of computational servers
• Supporting students, PhD students, postdocs, and other employees in a high-performance computational environment
• Teach procedures to Bachelor, Master, and PhD students

Candidate profile
You have a Bachelor or Master degree in (bio/chem) informatics, or a relevant computational field

Additional requirements

• Excellent proficiency in English (oral and written)
• Proficiency in python and bash
• Knowledge of data-integrity and data-management
• Creative, 'making things work' mentality, independent, communicative team player
• Experience with machine learning is a benefit

Research at our faculty and institute
The Leiden Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. Our people are driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline.
The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is diverse, ranging from artificial intelligence, computer science, mathematics, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,300 staff and almost 5,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together. For more information, see https://www.science.leidenuniv.nl.

Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research
Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) is a centre of excellence for multidisciplinary research on drug discovery and development. Leiden University consistently ranks within the top-20 world-wide within the subject-based QS Ranking in Pharmacology and Pharmacy. At LACDR, we develop innovative scientific concepts in fundamental and translational research underlying the discovery and optimization of drugs, and personalised medicines. We aim to optimise the route to novel drugs that are both efficacious and safe, and therefore our research focuses on drug discovery and safety, bio-therapeutics, and systems biomedicine and pharmacology. State-of-the-art expertise and infrastructures ensure that we are strategically positioned in (inter)national collaborations, thus further strengthening the development of novel concepts and their application in a clinical and industry environment. The institute has an extensive focus on computational methods in the drug discovery process as evidenced by the presence of 3 computational PI groups.

LACDR has close on-going collaborations with the Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC) and the Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR). More information about the LACDR can be found at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/drug-research.

Division of Medicinal Chemistry
The division of Medicinal chemistry within LACDR combines a molecular understanding of the interaction between small molecules and their protein targets with cheminformatics for development of novel and safe drug leads. The division is home to a high-performance computer cluster, a state of the art 3D facility, a type C Radiolab, and has an extensive medicinal chemistry and molecular pharmacology lab.

Terms and conditions
We offer a full-time appointment of initially 1 year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the research, personal capabilities and compatibility, the appointment will be extended to maximum of 4 years. Salary ranges from € 2.870,- to € 3.771,- gross per month (pay scale 7 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3%), training and career development. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

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
Inquiries about the research area can be made to Prof. Dr. GJP van Westen, gerard@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl. If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact Nicole van Zaal , n.van.zaal@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl

Applications
To apply for this vacancy, please submit your application online through the blue button below. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents:

• Applications are written in English and include a Cover Letter indicating the motivation for the project
• Curriculum vitae and if present a list of publications
• Copy a BSc or MSc degree along with a list of grades
• Contact details of two references

Only applications received no later than January 31st 2025 can be considered. The selection procedure will take place in February 2025, and selected candidates may be invited for a remote interview in this period, during which you are kindly requested to be available.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.

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