AdresseThe Department of Human Genetics (DME), KU Leuven and the VIB Center for AI & Computational Biology (VIB.AI) are seeking a highly qualified candidate to establish a research team in the field of AI and computational biology (Professor at KU Leuven, Group Leader at VIB). We are looking for candidates who use and develop artificial intelligence methods and mechanistic mathematical models to address fundamental questions in Biology. Examples of research topics include but are not limited to: development of novel AI architectures for biology and hybrid models combining deep learning with mechanistic models; foundation models of genome regulation using single-cell and spatial multi-omics data; AI-based modeling of protein structure and protein interaction networks; AI-based modeling of cell morphology and tissue function using imaging and computer vision; AI models of disease and digital twin applications. Biological applications are broad: microorganisms, plant biology, biodiversity and ecology, neuroscience, cancer, and immunology. We also welcome applicants with applied projects, for example in synthetic biology, AI-driven robotic experiments (experiment-in-the-loop) or bio-engineering.
The Departement of Human Genetics
The DME is a leading European center for Human Genetics. Its primary objectives revolve around achieving excellence in research, education, and translational applications. These efforts aim to enhance genetic diagnosis, counselling, therapy, and preventive measures. The department's research portfolio encompasses both fundamental and clinical research conducted across various domains and models, including cultured cells, animal models, and human subjects. The research focus of DME is genome structure and function, and development and use of state of the art genomics and bioinformatics methodologies and deploying them for the diagnosis and treatment of genetic disorders as well as prevention of disease in susceptible individuals.
VIB Center for AI and Computational Biology
VIB (Flanders Institute for Biotechnology) is an entrepreneurial non-profit research institute, with a clear focus on groundbreaking strategic basic research in life sciences and a close partnership with the five universities in Flanders.
VIB.AI was established in 2023 as the 10th VIB center, with the core mission of investigating fundamental problems in Biology by combining machine learning with in-depth knowledge of biological processes.
Selection is done by both the advisory committee of the Biomedical Sciences Group, KU Leuven, and VIB. Thus, the successful candidate must be ranked favourably by both the advisory committee and VIB.
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Duties
Research
As KU Leuven Professor and VIB Group Leader, you will be expected to (further) develop a research program within your own independent research group, and build (or consolidate) a strong network with other researchers at KU Leuven, VIB and beyond.
Teaching
The candidate will be appointed at the Faculty of Medicine and is expected to take up teaching assignments (in English or in Dutch) in this or other KU Leuven faculties. You will provide high-quality education, with a clear commitment to the quality of the program(s). You will also contribute to the university’s pedagogic project by supervising MSc theses and as promoter of PhD students.
Service
You provide scientific, societal, and internal services that contribute to the reputation of KU Leuven and VIB.
Profile
- PhD or equivalent experience in machine learning or a related quantitative field (Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, Computational Biology/Chemistry).
- Candidates will be considered at junior or more senior levels based on relevant experience in foundational and/or applied machine learning research in an academic and/or industrial setting (post-doctorate).
- Extensive experience in machine learning and programming.
- Published impactful research that demonstrates creativity and scientific quality.
- Ability to secure competitive funding.
- Interdisciplinary thinking and commitment to collaborations within VIB, the department and the university.
- Motivated to mentor postdoctoral researchers, PhD candidates, masterstudents and other scientists.
- Proficiency in English is required.
- The successful candidate must also be selected as VIB group leader in the VIB.AI Center.
Offer
- Substantial core research funding from VIB that is renewable every 5 years.
- An attractive employment package including 100% of your salary and excellent health and hospitalization insurance.
- Access to a vibrant academic environment that encourages collaboration with top experts in Biology, computational biology, engineering, and computer science both at VIB and KU Leuven.
- Access to a highly talented pool of students in Biology, computational biology, engineering and computer science from the KU Leuven undergraduate and graduate programs.
- New state-of-the-art, open research space.
- Access to computing cluster infrastructure through the VIB Data Core and the Flemish Supercomputer Center.
- Access to excellent research facilities and experts both within VIB.AI and at VIB and at KU Leuven (including sequencing, proteomics, single-cell, microscopy, data core, etc.).
- Access to state-of-the art research infrastructure for wet lab activities.
- Comprehensive administrative support, including help with recruiting technicians, PhD students and postdocs for your group.
- Access to dedicated business development center specialized in tech transfer and valorization.
- Professional leadership coaching.
- An internationally recognized workplace that values diversity and encourages an inclusive environment.
- The official language used at KU Leuven is Dutch. If you do not speak Dutch (or do not speak it well) at the start of employment, KU Leuven will provide language training to enable you to take part in meetings. Before teaching courses in Dutch or English, you will be given the opportunity to learn Dutch, respectively English, to the required standard.
- KU Leuven is well set to welcome foreign professors and their family and provides practical support with regard to immigration & administration, housing, childcare, learning Dutch, partner career coaching,...
More information
VIB.AI
VIB Data Core
Flemish Supercomputer Center
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Patrick Callaerts, department chair, or Prof. dr. Stein Aerts, director VIB.AI. For problems with online applying, please contact solliciteren@kuleuven.be.
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
