Two Open Group Leader and Professor Positions: AI in Biology in Ghent

at  VIB

The VIB Center for AI & Computational Biology (VIB.AI) and Ghent University are searching for two Principal Investigators to join their faculty (Group Leader at VIB, Professor at UGent). 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 and/or in human health and disease.
We welcome applications across all domains of machine learning, artificial intelligence, and associated fields. Examples of research topics include but are not limited to: 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 modelling of cell morphology and tissue function using imaging and computer vision.

With regards to biological questions, we are particularly seeking candidates to cover two specific areas of life sciences:

• Plant biotechnology, biodiversity, and ecosystems. Research can include AI-driven modeling across scales (from genotype to phenotype), AI-driven studies of biodiversity at the molecular level, and AI modeling in molecular ecology and evolution. We also welcome candidates with applied projects including developing AI-driven tools for precision agriculture or biodiversity conservation. This professor position will be affiliated with the Faculty of Sciences, Department of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, and Statistics at Ghent University. The successful candidate is expected to provide computer science education in data structures and algorithms and to attract computer science students for master’s theses and PhD research through their own research efforts. At VIB, we encourage collaboration between VIB.AI and other centers. AI-driven researchers in these domains can be co-affiliated with the VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology (PSB).
• Biomedical sciences and human disease. Research can include AI-driven modeling of human disease processes, digital twin applications, immunology, neuroscience, cancer, imaging and other biomedical fields. We also welcome applicants with applied projects, including drug discovery through protein modelling, protein design, synthetic biology, AI-driven experiments (experiment-in-the-loop), and bio-engineering. Additionally, researchers with an interest in AI based modelling on clinical data, including diagnostics and medical imaging, are encouraged to apply. This Professor position will be affiliated to the Faculty of Medicine and Heath Sciences, at Ghent University. At VIB, we encourage collaboration between VIB.AI and other centers. AI-driven researchers in these domains can be co-affiliated with the VIB Center for Inflammation Research (IRC) or the VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology (CMB).

Both positions come with full salary and core funding (internationally competitive package) that is renewable for multiple additional 5-year periods, and access to state-of-the-art research and top-notch support core facilities, as well as support to attract talented PhD students and postdocs from across the world.

HOW TO APPLY

Please use the VIB HR application tool and upload

• a cover/motivation letter
• your full CV with publication list
• a 1-2 page biosketch including your top 5 publications or achievements
• a 2-4 page statement of your research plan including a brief statement reflecting your vision for the new VIB.AI center
• a 1 page statement about your vision on teaching, outreach, and technology transfer (valorization)
• contact details of 3 referees

Application deadline: 1st November 2024
VIB.AI is also extending its team in Leuven, where two Principal Investigator positions are currently open. You can find more information about the Leuven vacancies here.
VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology is also seeking a Group Leader: AI in Plant Biology, co-affiliated to VIB.AI. You can find more information about the PSB vacancy here.
For more information
If you have any questions about the positions or need assistance in determining which location would be the best fit for your lab, please do not hesitate to contact Stein Aerts (stein.aerts@vib.be) Science director at VIB.AI

Please refer the Job description for details