Postdoctoral position in single-cell gene regulatory network inference

The Data Mining and Modeling for Biomedicine group (headed by Yvan Saeys) at the VIB Center for Inflammation Research and Ghent University is located in the historical city of Ghent, Belgium. The Saeys lab is at the forefront of computational method development in single-cell omics and has a longstanding collaboration with many wet labs in immunology, oncology, and plant biology.  Recently, the lab has started a single-cell facility with advanced access to the newest single-cell multi-omics technologies (scRNA-seq, scATAC-seq, CITE-seq, and spatial proteomics and transcriptomics). A major focus of the lab is to model the dynamics of biological systems and characterize their underlying gene regulatory networks.  To this end, the lab develops new computational machine learning methods to improve the current state-of-the-art.

The VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research (IRC) aims at unravelling the mechanisms of immunity and inflammation for better prevention and therapy of human chronic disease. Several high-end core facilities support and improve our research activities: microscopy, flow cytometry, transgenesis, cell culture, recombinant protein technology, single cell. For more information, please visit: https://www.irc.ugent.be

The University of Ghent is a sustainable, family-friendly organization, 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.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing novel methods (including trajectory inference and gene regulatory network inference) on single-cell omics data.  The current position is part of a collaboration with BASF, a leading company in the plant biotechnology field, and the lab of Bert De Rybel at the VIB Center of Plant Systems Biology.

The applicant should be highly motivated and passionate about driving and performing research and associated tasks and be able to work independently. The person will collaborate with Ph.D. students and technicians to increase the impact of the research efforts. The position can be started from October 1 onwards.

• You obtained a Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Physics, Engineering, Bio-engineering, or equivalent. 
• Excellent track record in machine learning applied to the field of Bioinformatics
• Solid programming experience is required (Python, R).
• Experience with machine-learning/statistical analysis is required
• Experience with plant research and/or population genetics is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and in a team. 

• Access to state-of-the-art compute infrastructure 
• A stimulating international research environment
• Competitive salary and benefits
• Financial support for 2 years.

Starting date: as soon as possible

Please complete the online application procedure and include a detailed CV, two reference letters, and a motivation letter. 

For more information: [email protected]