Doctoral scholarship holder bioinformatics

Department: Department of Computer Science
Regime Full-time

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp  is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape. 

The Department of Computer Science in the Faculty of Science is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of bioinformatics.

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of bioinformatics and computational mass spectrometry under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Wout Bittremieux.
• You will use advanced bioinformatics and data science techniques for the analysis of small molecule mass spectrometry data to understand the molecular composition of foods.
• You will collaborate with international colleagues to build a molecular database of South African foods.
• You will engage in collaborative research with partners in South Africa, including an optional local research visit.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for the Bittremieux Lab, such as assisting practical teaching sessions and supervising Bachelor and Master students in the group.

Profile

• You hold a Master degree in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Chemistry, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or related fields, or you will have obtained it by the time you start work.
• Although a background in the life sciences (e.g. molecular biology, microbiome research, nutrition/food science) and/or computer science (e.g. bioinformatics, data science) is an advantage, it is not a prerequisite. If this is the case, please address it in your cover letter.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• Foreign candidates are encouraged to apply.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision .
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies .
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• You have good programming skills (Python preferred, knowledge of additional programming languages is a plus).
• To communicate with international partners, you have excellent oral and written communication skills in English, and organizational skills.
• You have an inquisitive mindset and strong interpersonal skills.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of one year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another two years.
• The planned start date is 1 March 2024 or as soon as possible after that date.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts  for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• You will do most of your work at Campus Middelheim in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here .

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 14 January 2024 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
  • a strong motivation letter
  • a detailed academic CV
  • optional: a software portfolio (e.g. GitHub)
  • two recommendation letters or contact information of two scientific references
• The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure. Interviews of the candidates, after a preselection by the selection committee, will take place in January–February 2024.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions  or send an email to [email protected] . If you have any questions about the position, please contact Dr. Wout Bittremieux ([email protected] ) with the email subject “PhD application foodomics.”

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award  for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity  and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.