PhD Student Computational Biology (ref. BAP-2024-372)

Our lab focuses on important fundamental biological questions using experimentally tractable models. We are part of the Bioengineering faculty of KU Leuven, known for its strong record of combining advanced modeling with experimentation to study living systems for both applied and fundamental research. Across faculties, there is an active community of bioinformaticians and computational biologists. We are located on a beautiful campus just outside historic Leuven.

Unit website

Project

We are looking for a talented and motivated Computational Biology PhD candidate to join our interdisciplinary team, focusing on understanding the development of multicellular systems. In our lab, we track the development of animal systems, such as the C. elegans embryo, with fluorescence confocal microscopy and an advanced image processing pipeline to retrieve detailed cell shapes. We developed tools to accurately characterize and compare cell shapes, amongst others to infer some of the forces generated by the cells. The overall aim of the PhD will be to analyze cellular systems over time and build a model to simulate morphogenetic processes and evaluate mechanistic hypotheses. 

The specific content of the PhD project will be determined collaboratively and may include research questions involving biophysical simulations of morphogenesis, inferring cellular forces from time-lapse data, modeling cell shapes with machine learning, and exploring causal inference in complex biological systems. As a member of our team, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to work closely with experts in the field and contribute to cutting-edge research in this area.

The ideal candidate should have a strong background in computational biology, bioinformatics, biophysics, or a related field. Experience with image processing, modeling, and numerical simulation is a plus. We offer a supportive and intellectually stimulating research environment, excellent opportunities for professional development, and competitive salary and benefit packages. 

Profile

• Talented and enthusiastic researcher. Master degree in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Bioengineering/Biotechnology, Biophysics, or related discipline. Good grasp of computing and statistics, sufficient understanding of molecular/cellular biology and genetics. 

• Good communicative skills and a collaborative attitude

• Advanced command of English is required (knowledge of Dutch is not required)

Offer

• A project with great scientific potential.

• Excellent scientific environment in a top-ranked university, using state-of-the-art technology and methodology. We publish our research in top journals such asm Bioinformatics, E-life, Molecular Biology and Evolution, Nature Genetics, PLoS genetics and Cell Systems, among others.

• Living in the beautiful medieval university town Leuven, a lively city situated in the heart of Europe, 20 km from Brussels.

• Good remuneration and benefits.

• Funding is guaranteed (4 years). The successful candidate will also be encouraged to apply for fellowships, such as those offered by the Flemish Research Foundation (FWO).

• Applicants should submit a detailed CV and a cover letter expressing their motivation and interest in the position. 

• Contact details for two referees who can provide academic references (no letters are required). 

Interested?

For more information contact Rob Jelier: rob.jelier@kuleuven.be.

You can apply for this job no later than July 22, 2024 via the online application tool