3 Open group leader positions AI in biology

We welcome applications across all domains of machine learning, artificial intelligence, and associated fields. Examples of research topics include but are not limited to:

• development of new AI architectures for biology and hybrid models that combine 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: from microorganisms to plant biology, biodiversity and ecology, neuroscience, cancer, and immunology. We also welcome applicants with applied projects, including synthetic biology, AI-driven experiments (experiment-in-the-loop), or bio-engineering.

VIB.AI

VIB.AI was established in 2023 with the core mission to study fundamental problems in biology by combining machine learning with in-depth knowledge of biological processes. We aim to work towards foundation models and integrative theories of biological systems, and towards innovative AI-driven biotech applications in synthetic biology, agro-tech, personalized medicine...

Junior and senior group leader positions

The group leader positions at VIB are tied to a KU Leuven (tenure track) professor position and come with full salary and core funding (internationally competitive package) that is renewable for multiple additional 5-year periods, as well as access to state-of-the-art research and top-notch support core facilities, including support to attract talented PhD students and postdocs from across the world.

Your 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 assuming relevant experience in foundational machine learning research and/or applied machine learning in an academic and/or industrial setting (post-doctoral).
• Excellent machine learning and programming experience.
• Published impactful research, demonstrates creativity, originality and addresses relevant problems in biology & computational research.
• Demonstrated ability to acquire competitive funding.
• Interdisciplinary mindset and keen on collaborating broadly in the center, the department and the university.
• Motivated to guide postdoctoral researchers, PhD interns, and full-time scientists.
• International working experience.
• You have a thorough knowledge of spoken and written English.

Our offer

• Substantial core research funding that is renewable every 5 years.
• An attractive employment package including 100% of your salary and excellent health benefits.
• 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 bachelor and master programs.
• New open-design state-of-the-art research space.
• Access to computing cluster infrastructure at the VIB Data Core and Flemish Supercomputer Center.
• Access to excellent and staffed core facilities at the Center, at VIB, and at KU Leuven (including sequencing, proteomics, single cell, microscopy, data core, and many more).
• Possibility to also perform wet lab activities in state-of-the art infrastructure.
• Broad administrative support, including help recruiting technicians, PhD students and post-doc scientists for your group.
• Access to a dedicated business development team specialized in technology transfer and valorization.
• Professional leadership training.
• An internationally recognized workplace that values diversity, promotes an inclusive environment.
• Help with relocation and establishing a life in Belgium, including visa application (if necessary), and finding housing, schooling and daycare.