Bioinformatician

The diabetes research group is part of the Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology lab located at the Gasthuisberg campus of the KU Leuven in Leuven, Belgium, a rich biomedical research environment neighboring the University Hospital UZ Leuven. Prof. Mathieu is coordinator of the IMI2-funded INNODIA and INNODIA HARVEST consortia on translational approaches to disease-modifying therapy of type 1 diabetes (www.innodia.eu).

The diabetes research team is looking for a highly motivated bioinformatician to mine single cell and spatial transcriptomics data sets in the field of type 1 diabetes. The integration of unique mouse and human transcriptomic data sets will provide unbiased insights into disease pathology and may identify novel targets for prevention and treatment of the disease. By combining our expertise in studying the immune phenotype and function with state-of-the-art bulk/single cell omics at the level of the target tissue, we hope to gather information on the developmental stages of type 1 diabetes as well as on the safety and efficacy of novel disease-modifying therapies at multiple levels. The bioinformatician will be actively involved in multiple projects ongoing in the lab in which cutting-edge technologies and materials such as single-cell RNA sequencing, CITE-sequencing, high-dimensional cytometry, spatial transcriptomics, mouse models and patient-derived material are being utilized. Our research environment allows a fast translation of discoveries from bench to bedside with improvement of patient care as ultimate goal.

Responsibilities

• Leading and coordinating with the Leuven team members the implementation of (new) bioinformatics pipelines;

• Leading the multi-omics data integration and possible development of novel multi-omics analyses, with the ultimate aim to identify new therapeutic targets in type 1 diabetes;

• Working independently in a multidisciplinary team in a biomedical sciences and transcriptomics environment;

• Drive projects to generate early hypotheses for innovative ideas;

• Mentor junior scientists on a daily basis, between multiple disciplines and ensure connectivity;

• Participate in weekly team meetings to update your research results to your colleagues as well as in high-level seminars to disseminate your findings.

Profile

• Candidates have a Master in Bioinformatics / Computer Science or relevant experience (3-4 years) or a Ph.D. in Bioinformatics / Computer Science or related fields, biology/ biomedicine expertise is an advantage, but not mandatory.

• Working proficiency in Python and R;

• A broad experience in bioinformatics and data-mining of large datasets including bulk as well as single-cell RNA sequencing data is required;

• Motivated and enthusiastic researcher;

• Excellent organizational and supervisory skills, you can work in a team as well as independently.

Offer

We offer

• A stimulating, diverse, international, and strong research environment in a top academic laboratory with a focus on autoimmune type 1 diabetes;

• The opportunity to work with a team of basic scientists and translational clinicians;

• The opportunity to have full access to the data warehouse of the international consortium INNODIA (HARVEST), coordinated by the Leuven team;

• Access to, and training in, state-of-the-art technologies in biomedical research. The KU Leuven has multiple core-facilities managed by a team of experts;

• Training in project management (e.g., supervision of students, budget management....

Interested?

For more information please contact dr. Conny Gysemans, tel.: +32 16 37 74 54, mail: conny.gysemans@kuleuven.be or dr. Pierre Lemaitre, tel.: +32 16 37 68 31, mail: pierre.lemaitre@kuleuven.be.

You can apply for this job no later than April 12, 2023 via the online application tool

KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at diversiteit.HR@kuleuven.be.