MSc in Medical Epigenomics Radboud University

In this specialisation, you’ll look at a cell as one big and complex system. You’ll study epigenetic mechanisms during development and disease from different angles. This includes studying DNA and RNA by next-generation sequencing (epigenomics) and analyzing proteins by mass spectrometry (proteomics). In addition, you‘ll be trained to design computational strategies that allow the integration of these multifaceted, high-throughput data sets into one system. You will learn how to work with state-of-the-art technology in combination with biological software tools to study complete networks in cells in an unbiased manner.

Radboud University integrates various state-of-the-art technologies – such as quantitative mass spectrometry and next-generation DNA sequencing – with downstream bioinformatics analyses. This is unique in Europe. This programme allows you to work with researchers from the Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), one of the leading multidisciplinary research institutes within this field of study worldwide. We have close contacts with high-profile medically oriented groups on the Radboud campus and with international institutes (EMBL, Max-Planck, Marie Curie, Cambridge, US-based labs, etc). As a Master’s student, there is ample opportunity to perform an internship in one of these groups. Radboud University coordinates multiple large epigenetics projects, including projects on leukaemia, skin development, pluripotency, embryonic development, malaria, and organoids. Master’s students have the opportunity to participate in these projects.

Facts and figures

• Degree: MSc in Medical Biology
• Faculty: Faculty of Science
• Croho code: 60610
• Duration: 2 years (120 EC), full time
• Start month: September
• Language of instruction: English
• Enrolled students: 30 - 50 per year
• Contact hours: 20 -30 hours per week

Master's in Medical Epigenomics: something for you?

• Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS) is world-leading in studying the epigenome.
• We offer state-of-the-art technologies with downstream bioinformatics analyses in one department, which is unique in Europe.
• We have close contacts with high-profile medical groups on our campus and with international institutes.
• Do your internship in one of our large epigenetics projects, including projects on leukaemia, skin development, pluripotency, embryonic development, malaria, and organoids.

Why study Medical Epigenomics at Radboud University?

• Radboud University integrates various state-of-the-art technologies – such as quantitative mass spectrometry and next-generation DNA sequencing – with downstream bioinformatics analyses. This is unique in Europe.
• This programme allows you to work with researchers from the Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), one of the leading multidisciplinary research institutes within this field of study worldwide.
• We have close contacts with high-profile medically oriented groups on the Radboud campus and with international institutes (EMBL, Max-Planck, Marie Curie, Cambridge, US-based labs, etc). As a Master’s student, there is ample opportunity to perform an internship in one of these groups.
• Radboud University coordinates multiple large epigenetics projects, including projects on leukaemia, skin development, pluripotency, embryonic development, malaria, and organoids. Master’s students have the opportunity to participate in these projects.
• Researchers that are trained to generate and integrate high-dimensional data are in high demand both in the academia and in the industry. Many of our former students are pursuing their PhD studies in renowned institutions.

Specialisations

Medical Epigenomics is a specialisation of the Master’s programme in Medical Biology. The other specialisations are:

• Human Biology
• Neurobiology
• Science, Management and Innovation
• Science in Society
• Science and Education (in Dutch)

Career prospects

As a Master’s student of Medical Epigenomics, you’re trained in using state-of-the-art technology in combination with biological software tools to study complete networks in cells in an unbiased manner. For example, you’ll know how to study the effects of drugs on the human body.

When you enter the job market, you’ll have:

• A thorough background of epigenetic mechanisms in health and disease, which is highly relevant in a strongly rising field of epi-drug development;
• Extensive and partly hands-on experience in state-of-the-art ‘omics’ technologies: next-generation sequencing, quantitative mass spectrometry, and single-cell technologies;
• Extensive expertise in designing, executing and interpreting scientific experiments in data-driven research;
• The computational skills needed to analyze large ‘omics’ datasets.

With this background, you can become a researcher at a:

• University or research institute;
• A pharmaceutical company, such as Synthon or Johnson & Johnson;
• A food company, like Danone or Unilever;
• Start-up company making use of -omics technology.

Apart from research into genomics and epigenomics, you could also work on topics such as miniaturizing workflows, improving experimental devices, the interface between biology and informatics, medicine from a systems approach.

Alternative future jobs include:

• Biological or medical consultant;
• Biology teacher;
• Policy coordinator, regarding genetic or medical issues;
• Patent attorney;
• Clinical research associate.

PhD positions at Radboud University

Each year, the Molecular Biology department (Prof. Henk Stunnenberg, Prof. Michiel Vermeulen) and the Molecular Developmental Biology department (Professor Gert-Jan Veenstra) at the RIMLS offer between five and ten PhD positions. Of course, many graduates also apply for a PhD position at related departments in the Netherlands, or abroad.

Radboud Career Service

Radboud Career Service Science helps students, PhDs and alumni with advice and counseling, either in an individual interview or in a workshop with fellow students. Career Service Science can introduce you to people at national and international companies and organisations that offer interesting jobs and internships. With our extensive knowledge of the labour market and recruitment experience, we’re here to advise you on how to find the job you desire.