Job Description
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Post-Doctoral Researcher in EMPower Data Management and Analysis
Job requisition Id: 16625
Job type: Academic staff
Contract hours min: 38
Contract hours max: 38
Location: Leiden
Applying is possible until: 30 juni 2026
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Teaser Text
The Netherlands Electron Microscopy Infrastructure (EMPower) is a nation-wide initiative that makes the highest-end equipment for cryo-EM and volume EMs available for optimal use for the Dutch national research community. EMPower will support users with platforms for data management and analysis, complemented with comprehensive training and networking programs to stimulate collaborative research and further broaden and strengthen the EM user base in The Netherlands.
We are excited to announce a postdoctoral position in EMPower focused on Data Management and Analysis. As a Postdoctoral Researcher in the EMPower consortium, you will play a crucial role in our dynamic and collaborative research environment, promoting and enabling FAIR approaches and contributing to broader initiatives in European Network for Electron Microscopy (ESTEEM3). This role requires knowledge and experience in both EM data analysis and data management.
What you will do
Coordination of the data management for cryo-EM/ET and volume-EM across EMpower facilities: Our data management solution is to develop the cloud-based infrastructure (hosted by SURF), sharing metadata at the National level;
Leading the development of FAIR (meta) data annotation approaches: We support the whole data life cycle of planning, acquisition, image analysis and sharing/reuse. Data annotation and metadata standardisation are key requirements;
Developments for AI approaches to annotation and analyses: You will be involved in developing a unified and collaborative approach for AI development in EM in the Netherlands, centered on the main technical research infrastructure at the EMPower-Cryo and EMPower-Volume facilities;
Integrating AI approaches, data and educating users: To ensure that as the volumes of data production increase, we retain a manageable and practical approach to their analysis and storage. You will investigate the scalability of compute requirements for specific analysis approaches. In addition, you will be involved in developing a comprehensive training program for end users;
Publication and Presentation: Publish your research findings in top-tier journals and present your work at national and international conferences, contributing to the scientific community's body of knowledge.
Where you will work
The 4-year position will be embedded in Imaging and Bioinformatics lab, Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science, Leiden University (Dr. Lu Cao), working closely together with the Amsterdam UMC Advanced Compute and Data Core team (Dr. Katy Wolstencroft) and NeCEN at Leiden University (Professor Meindert Lamers and Dr Ludo Renault).
The faculty is home to more than 2,700 staff members and over 6,000 students enrolled in nine bachelor's and fifteen master's programs. We are located at the heart of the Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s largest science parks, where academia and industry come together.
You will be part of the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS). LIACS offers the bachelor's programs in Computer Science and Data Science/Artificial Intelligence, as well as master's programs in Computer Science, ICT in Business and the Public Sector, Media Technology, and Science Based Business. According to an independent research assessment, LIACS is one of the leading computer science departments in the Netherlands. We strive for excellence in a supportive institute where academic achievement, enjoyment, and diversity go hand in hand. We offer a clear and welcoming career path for young and talented scientists with the ambition to grow. For more information about LIACS, visit our website.
What you bring
Required qualifications:
A Ph.D. in Bioimaging, Bioinformatics, Computer Science or related discipline;
Experience with data management, preferably image data management;
Strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills;
High attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality results;
Strong written and oral communication skills in English;
Experience in organising and delivering training and knowledge-sharing events;
Experience in working in interdisciplinary research collaborations.
Preferred/Desired Experience:
Experience in programming, preferably in Python;
Experience in Computer Vision models;
Experience in FAIR data and/or Open Data;
Experience in semantic web technologies;
Experience in working in distributed scientific consortia
What we offer
An employment contract for a duration of one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the research, personal capabilities and compatibility, the appointment will be extended by three more years This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities;
A salary between € 3.546,= and € 5.538,= gross per month, based on a full-time appointment (38 hours, payscale 10);
A holiday allowance (8%), an end-of-year bonus (8,3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP;
Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs for home-to-work travel;
Flexible working hours: as a standard, you are entitled to a minimum of 29 leave days on the basis of a full-time working week of 38 hours; you can also save for extra leave, for example by working 40 hours a week, and in this way accrue an extra 96 leave hours, or exchange 96 leave hours for a 36-hour week.
Lots of options when it comes to secondary employment conditions; we can, for example, discuss options for a sabbatical or paid parental leave. Within our terms of employment individual choices model, you can exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits such as an advantageous sports subscription and bicycle scheme;
If your work allows it, hybrid working is possible within the Netherlands;
A home-working allowance (day and internet allowance) and attention for good workplaces. The University will also provide you with a laptop.
What we value
Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. We strive to be an open community in which all students and staff members feel valued and respected, and are able to fully develop themselves. We consider an inclusive academic environment, where students and staff can share their experiences and viewpoints, to be essential for the development of talent.
Want to apply or find out more?
If you have questions about this position, please contact Dr. Lu Cao,
[email protected] or Dr. Katy Wolstencroft
[email protected]. If you have questions about the procedure, you can sent an email to
[email protected]
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please submit your application online. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents in English:
Cover Letter that should contain your motivation for the position and the personal fit to the selection criteria.
Curriculum vitae with publication list
Names and contact details of two references
The earliest possible starting date is October 1, 2026, the latest possible starting date is Jan 1, 2027. The deadline for applications is June 30, 2026 .
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Information at a Glance
Faculty / Unit: The Faculty of Science
Contact with (Name + position): Dr. Lu Cao, Assistant Professor
Contact Email address: [email protected]
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