Professor AI in Biology

The 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 Department of Human GeneticsThe 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 BiologyVIB (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.

• 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,...