Group Leader Functional Cancer Genomics

The VIB Center for Cancer Biology (CCB) and the KU Leuven department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (CMM), are recruiting a group leader in Functional Cancer Genomics at located at the Campus Gasthuisberg in Leuven, Belgium.

VIB is an entrepreneurial and vibrant non-profit research institute in Flanders-Belgium with a clear focus on groundbreaking research in life sciences. More than 1500 scientists and technologists from over 60 countries are working in 10 thematic research centers located at the 5 Flemish Universities of Ghent, Leuven, Antwerp, Hasselt & Brussels and are studying the broad spectrum of molecular mechanisms that regulate the functions of the human body. VIB encourages and supports risk-taking, and enables collaborations with top scientists and institutes worldwide. By maintaining the highest standards of research, VIB creates an innovative atmosphere and provides a supportive and collegial environment that allows the scientists to launch novel and ambitious research programs and encourages them to translate results into novel therapeutics, diagnostics, applications and technologies.

The VIB Center for Cancer Biology (CCB) currently hosts more than 240 scientists in 14 independent research groups and units who work on various hallmarks of tumors and their microenvironment including angiogenesis, inflammation, metabolism, genetic, epigenetic regulating circuits and cancer immunology. Together we share the ambition to contribute to a better understanding of the biology that underlies cancer initiation, progression and metastatic dissemination with the ultimate goal to develop more effective and specific anti-cancer (combination) therapies.

The KU Leuven Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (CMM) encompasses 18 research groups that explore the molecular mechanisms of disease: basic cellular and molecular processes and their (patho)physiological effects, as well as their implications in various human diseases. CMM combines expertise in techniques of biochemistry, electrophysiology, molecular biology, cell imaging, proteomics, bioinformatics and animal-model development to acquire novel insights into cellular signaling and communication processes. Major areas of research include signaling by ions, lipids and protein phosphorylation, chromatin structure and function, protein structure, (mis)folding and transport and cell metabolism, death, autophagy and differentiation.

Research

You will lead a ground-breaking scientific program addressing basic research questions with a pronounced translational potential. You have a collaborative mindset that will allow you to build bridges between existing research groups at VIB and KU Leuven, as well as with other academic centers and the industry. You will focus on functional genomics with a research-specific focus on oncology and an unmet patient need.

We are particularly interested in researchers working on the development of new technological approaches that integrate CRISPR-based technologies as well as other functional genomics or chemical biology approaches with single cell & multi-omics technologies (i.e., transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, etc.). Ideally, the candidate will apply these methods to reductionist (i.e. 3D tumoroid models) or unique in vivo models (i.e. mouse genetics, in vivo lineage tracing, PDXs,…) and directly test or validate observations in these models on human tissue samples from the corresponding cancer indication.

A dedicated focus on a specific cancer indication and/or underlying biological process (metastatic dissemination, lymph node involvement, circulating tumor cells or specific tumor/microenvironment interactions, etc. is considered a plus.

Your profile

• You have obtained a PhD degree in the (Bio-) Medical Sciences or another field that provides excellent preparation for the requested research program.
• You have a strong research profile within the aforementioned research domains and the quality of your research is proven by publications in international leading journals and conferences.
• You have an interest in outreach and broadly contributing to an exciting scientific environment.
• Interdisciplinary mindset and keen on collaborating broadly in the center, the department, and the university.
• You possess organizational skills and have a collaborative attitude. You also possess leadership capacities.
• You have international research experience.

We offer

• A challenging position in a supportive and international research environment with committed peers (this includes a mentoring program and a Group Leader coaching track).
• An employment package that is internationally attractive and that is independent of research funding and grants, with excellent health benefits.
• Substantial core research funding (€1.25M to €1.5M), renewable every 5 years.
• Access to excellent and staffed core facilities at CCB, at VIB and at KU Leuven.
• Broad administrative support in finance, HR, logistics, operations & regulatory affairs.
• Collaborative atmosphere with clinicians from the University Hospital UZ Leuven located on the same campus.
• Assistance with daily life issues such as relocation including visa application (if necessary), move & housing, school & day care.
• This position is linked to a tenure track professorship position at the KU Leuven Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine.
• A professorship at KU Leuven implies that you obtain a CEFR level B2 certificate in the Dutch language within the first five years of your employment. KU Leuven and VIB provide language training facilities that will support you in obtaining your certificate.

VIB is an equal-opportunity employer promoting an inclusive environment in which everyone is respected.

Expected Start date: 01st September 2025

How to apply

Please use the VIB HR application tool to upload the required documents: motivation letter, full CV, a two-page statement of your past achievements and future research plan, list of publications and contact details of 4 referees.

Deadline to apply: 15th December 2024.

Suitable applicants will be invited to present an online seminar on their achievements and future research during March and April 2025.

For more information:

Please contact the Science Directors Diether Lambrechts or Jean-Christophe Marine or the Operations Manager Michael Dewaele.

About Leuven

Leuven - only 20 minutes away from Brussels by train - is a vivid university city with a rich history, a well-preserved historical town center and a lively multi-cultural atmosphere. The city is surrounded by charming small villages, woods and nature. Leuven has a lively atmosphere because of the many students from all over the world.

Leuven is home to the Universiteit Leuven, the largest and oldest university in the Low Countries. The related university hospital of UZ Leuven is one of the largest hospitals in Europe. Leuven and the surroundings are a great place for young people and families to live and to raise children. There are many excellent day care centers and schools including an international school.