Postdoc Position in Gene Regulation

Faculty: 

Faculty of Science

Department: 

Department of Biology

Hours per week: 

36 to 40

Application deadline: 

10 February 2026

Cell identity relies on correct gene expression, so the process of transcription is tightly regulated. During early elongation of RNA Polymerase II, it is likely to terminate. Early termination has a big impact on transcriptional output, but how it is regulated is poorly understood. The Vlaming lab aims to understand what drives early termination vs productive elongation. To this end, we use cutting-edge nascent-RNA sequencing techniques, high-throughput screening and precise genome editing.

This project aims to systematically identify and characterize regulators of early transcription termination. Potential approaches will involve pooled CRISPR screens, genome editing mouse embryonic stem cells to allow for rapid protein depletion, mapping transcriptional effects (RNA-seq, TT-seq, PRO-seq), proximity labeling approaches, ChIP, and the bioinformatic analysis of generated sequencing data. You are encouraged to bring your own expertise to the current project and contribute your own project ideas.

While working on this project, you will hone your technical skills as well as skills in project design, writing, presenting, supervising, and collaborating. As part of our team, you will contribute to an enthusiastic, collaborative and respectful environment, in which we can perform high-quality research together.

You share our enthusiasm for gene regulation and are motivated to push beyond the boundaries of what we know. Furthermore, you meet the following criteria:

• you have obtained, or are on track to obtain, a PhD with first or co-author publications/preprints in a relevant field;
• you have a background in gene regulation, or in a closely related field;
• you bring experience with at least two, ideally more, of the following approaches: cell engineering, high-throughput assays, transcriptomics, genomics, sequencing data analysis;
• you are able to work independently, as well as collaboratively in a team;
• you are proficient in academic English, both spoken and written.

• an independent postdoc position for an initial period of one year (1.0 FTE), with an extension of two additional years upon a positive evaluation;
• a gross monthly salary, depending on qualifications and experience,  between € 3.546 and €5.538 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development , various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities . You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University .

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University , the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes . Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow .

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You will work in the group of Dr Hanneke Vlaming in the Genome Biology and Epigenetics (GBE) division of the department of Biology. With the Biology department, we are embedded within the Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity (IBB) . The IBB offers an inspiring and highly interactive scientific environment covering various disciplines, including Developmental Biology, Cell Biology, Neurobiology, Biophysics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. GBE forms a multidisciplinary and interconnected team of researchers interested in studying various aspects of gene regulation. We work closely together with the other groups in GBE, led by Professor Tuncay Baubec (chromatin readers & writers, DNA methylation), Dr Severin Uebbing (evolution of enhancers), and Dr Vivek Bhardwaj (single-cell multi-omics). GBE offers a stimulating, collaborative, and international environment. Become part of the team!

For more information, please contact Hanneke Vlaming at h.vlaming@uu.nl . 

Do you have a question about the application procedure? Please send an email to science.recruitment@uu.nl .

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home  for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.

If you are enthusiastic about this position, just apply via the "Apply now" button! Please enclose:

• your letter of motivation describing what excites you about the position and what makes you a good candidate; if you have not yet obtained your PhD degree please also include what remains to be completed;
• your curriculum vitae;
• the names, email addresses and phone numbers of at least two references (no reference letters needed at this point);
• a copy of your PhD certificate, if already obtained; otherwise, please indicate in your motivation letter what requirements remain.

If this specific opportunity isn’t for you, but you know someone else who may be interested, please forward this vacancy to them.

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The application deadline is 11 February 2026.