Group Leader and Professor AI in Biology - Dept. Human Genetics

VIB; Oost-Vlaanderen; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

VIB Center for AI & Computational Biology at KU Leuven seeks a Principal Investigator/Group Leader to advance AI-driven biology. You will lead an independent research program, recruit and mentor postdocs and PhD students, and collaborate across VIB and KU Leuven.

The candidate will teach in English or Dutch, contribute to education, and help consolidate an interdisciplinary research network; start date is 2027, with strong commitment to excellence in biology and computational methods.

Qualifications

• PhD in machine learning or related quantitative field (CS, AI, statistics, math).
• Candidates may be junior or senior with relevant foundational/applied ML experience.
• Excellent ML and programming skills demonstrated by publications and impact.

Responsibilities

• Continue to build an independent research group and a strong network within VIB, KU Leuven, and beyond.
• Teach in English or Dutch; contribute to MSc theses and PhD supervision; uphold high educational quality.

Skills

PhD in ML

Independent leadership

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Python programming

Grant writing

Education

PhD in ML or quantitative field

Job description

The VIB Center for AI & Computational Biology (VIB.AI) and KU Leuven is searching for a Principal Investigator to join their faculty (Group Leader at VIB and Professor at KU Leuven, Dept. Human Genetics). We are particularly interested in recruiting faculty members who use and develop artificial intelligence methods and mechanistic mathematical models to address fundamental questions in biology.

• 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 and disease areas ideally focus on genetics and genomics. We also welcome applicants with applied projects, including synthetic biology, AI-driven experiments (experiment-in-the-loop), and bio-engineering.

Assignment

• Research. As a VIB Group Leader and KU Leuven Professor, you will be expected to (continue to) build your research program with your own independent research group, and to set up or consolidate a strong network with other researchers within VIB, KU Leuven and beyond. You strive for excellence in your research and thereby contribute to the scientific development of the new VIB.AI center.
• Teaching. The candidate will be appointed in the Faculty of Medicine and is expected to take up teaching assignments in this or other faculties (in English or in Dutch). You ensure high-quality education, with a clear commitment to the quality of the program as a whole. You also contribute to the pedagogic project of the university through the supervision of MSc theses and as a promoter of PhD students.
• Service. You provide scientific, societal, and internal services that contribute to the reputation of the entire VIB and university.

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.
• The official administrative language at KU Leuven is Dutch. If you do not speak Dutch or are not proficient at the beginning of your employment, VIB and KU Leuven will offer language training. You are required to achieve a CEFR-level of B2 in Dutch within five years of starting your appointment.
• VIB is committed to advancing gender equality and to promoting the participation of women in science. We therefore particularly encourage women to apply for this position. Applications are welcomed from all qualified candidates, and selection is based on qualifications and competencies relevant to the position.

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, especially within the field of computational biology, at VIB and KU Leuven.
• 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.
• The successful candidate should also be selected for Professor at KU Leuven.
• Start date: 2027

About the VIB Center for AI and Computational Biology

VIB (Flanders Institute for Biotechnology) is an entrepreneurial non-profit research institute, with a clear focus on ground-breaking strategic basic research in life sciences and operates in close partnership with the five universities in Flanders. VIB strives for a respectful and supportive working environment and a culture of belonging for diverse talents in the organization.

VIB.AI was established in 2023 as the 9th VIB center, 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, and personalized medicine. AI-driven research at VIB.AI starts from biological questions and challenges that are addressed using state-of-the-art and novel computational and AI strategies, through close interactions and iterations with biological experiments and research labs within VIB.AI and across VIB. Additionally, we are committed to fostering computational and AI research excellence across all VIB Centers, amplifying collaboration (17 affiliated GLs) and pushing the boundaries of innovation in all of VIB’s research domains (plant biology, cancer biology, structural biology, medical biotechnology, neuroscience, immunology and microbiology).

KU Leuven

This position is connected to a professor position at KU Leuven Department of Human Genetics (DME). 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, including cultured cells, animal models, and human subjects. The research focus of DME is genome structure, function, and development using state of the art genomics and bioinformatics methodologies and deploying them for the diagnosis and treatment of genetic disorders.

Leuven Life Sciences eco‑system and city of Leuven

Leuven and the surrounding area of Northern Belgium (Flanders) represent one of the top research destinations in Europe. VIB.AI is part of the VIB Life Sciences Institute (with colleagues in cancer, biotechnology, immunology, plants, microbiology amongst others) and an extensive set of core facilities. KUL is the largest university in Belgium and Europe’s most innovative university and is home to the Leuven AI Institute and the Leuven University Hospital, one of the largest in Europe. Leuven is also home to Imec, a world‑renowned research center for nanoelectronics and digital technology.

Leuven is an attractive European university city with a rich history and a lively atmosphere. The area has a strong biotechnology sector with a wide variety of spin‑offs and start‑ups. This, together with the presence of the University of Leuven and the University Hospital, make Leuven particularly internationally‑oriented and tech‑minded, and a natural home for researchers and their families; the city was even awarded the title of European capital of innovation 2020 by the European Commission. English is very widely spoken in the city and surrounding area.

Leuven offers an affordable, high standard of living, has an international school, and ample daycare options. The public education system and public health care system in Flanders are world‑class, easily accessible, and low‑cost to end users. Public transport is excellent and widely available. Brussels, the capital of Europe, is only 20 mins away. Leuven is also only 14 minutes by train from Brussels Airport which has many daily direct flights to North America, Africa and Asia. There are also high‑speed direct international rail connections to numerous cities including Paris, London, Frankfurt and Amsterdam.