VIB
Job title:
Postdoc position: AI in plant regulatory genomics (ERC funded)
Company:
VIB
Job description
About VIB Center for Plant System Biology
The VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology (PSB) is a world-leading plant science institute located at the heart of a renowned plant biotechnology campus in Ghent, Belgium. Its mission is to unravel plant biological processes and translate this knowledge into value for society. The Vandepoele lab (https://www.vandepoelelab.be/ [https://www.vandepoelelab.be/] ) is home to an enthusiastic, diverse and international group of researchers.
Ghent, the second largest city of Flanders, is a university city and cultural hub. Only half an hour away from Antwerp and Brussels by train, and centrally located in Europe, Ghent has a scenic yet cosy, well-preserved historical center and a lively multi-cultural atmosphere. Ghent and the greater region of Flanders is internationally-oriented and tech-minded with a strong biotechnology sector with spin-offs and start-ups, creating a natural home for researchers and their families. English is very widely spoken in the city and surrounding area.
Description
We are looking for a postdoctoral computational biologist to decipher the genomic regulatory code controlling gene expression in plants.
Within the ERC-funded multiCODE project, we aim to unravel how plants control gene expression across different tissues and stress conditions by combining single-cell genomics, artificial intelligence, and synthetic biology. Apart from shedding light on the fundamental aspects of transcriptional control, this project also opens new avenues for the design of climate-resilient crops.Your tasks
You will apply AI strategies to learn the regulatory syntax encoded by the Arabidopsis genome using single-cell transcript data as training data.You will unravel the cis-regulatory code controlling context-dependent gene expression and use this information to design synthetic promoters.You will train and evaluate predictive models in model/crop species with different levels of genome complexity.You will work very closely together with your dry-lab colleagues for data processing, training models, and the design of synthetic promoters driving context-specific expression.You will work very closely together with your wet-lab colleagues for the design and follow-up of experimental validations.
What we are looking for
PhD (or MSc with research experience) in AI, CS, Bio-engineering, or Bioinformatics.You have experience with applying AI technologies in (regulatory) genomics, as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications in international journals.Having good programming (Python) and Linux skills is a mustKnowledge in plant biology or single-cell genomics is a plusYou have good communication skills, are a team player, and are proficient in EnglishWhat we can offer you
We offer a 3-year postdoc position contract
A multidisciplinary, highly stimulating and supporting international research environment at VIB and Ghent University (UGent).
Access to state-of-the-art tools and infrastructure.
Various training opportunities are organized at VIB to broaden your expertise and skills.
Tentative start date: 1 November 2025How to apply?
Submit your application through the VIB application tool. The call will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified.
Make sure that your application includes:
A detailed CV (incl. information about IT/computational skills)A one-page letter of intent describing your motivation for this position, how your research experiences and interests are aligned with those of the lab and research topic and future goalsThe names and contact details of 3 referees.For any questions on the vacancy, please contact klaas.vandepoele@psb.vib-ugent.be.
Expected salary
Location
Gand, Flandre-Orientale
Job date
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 22:51:57 GMT
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