OPEN POSITION FOR A GROUP LEADER IN COMPUTATIONAL CANCER BIOLOGY @ VIB
Description
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 based at the 5 Flemish Universities of Ghent, Leuven, Antwerp, Brussels and Hasselt, and are studying the broad spectrum of molecular mechanisms that regulate the functions of the human body, plants and microorganisms.
VIB encourages and supports risk taking, and enables collaborations with top scientists and institutes world-wide. 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-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology (CCB) is located on the Campus Gasthuisberg of the University of Leuven (KU Leuven), and works in close collaboration with the Oncology department and Center for Human genetics, the Leuven Cancer Center (LKI) and University Leuven Hospital (UZLeuven), all located on the same campus. Together, we ambition to contribute to the 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. CCB is currently composed of more than 200 scientists in 12 independent research groups and units. Our scientific interest in various hallmarks of tumors and their microenvironment, including angiogenesis, inflammation, metabolism, genetic and epigenetic regulating circuits.
PROFILE
We are currently seeking a highly motivated group leader with expertise and outstanding track record in computational cancer biology, systems biology and/or mathematical modeling of tumor initiation, development and/or therapy resistance. We are particularly interested in individuals with a focus on developing new mathematical or statistical models or approaches to analyze or integrate various single-cell profiling modalities, including droplet-based and spatial omics data types (i.e., transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, etc). Ideally, the candidates will apply their methods to reductionist (i.e. 3D tumoroid models) or in vivo models (i.e. mouse genetics, in vivo lineage tracing, PDXs,…), or even directly test or validate them on tumor specimen from cancer patients. The candidates will be expected to develop ground-breaking scientific programs addressing fundamental research questions in oncology but should be equally interested in seeking opportunities to translate the findings into potential industrial applications and/or clinical benefit for patients. The candidates need to hold a PhD and provide a record of scientific excellence through high profile publications and acquisition of competitive funding. A collaborative and interdisciplinary mindset and experience in coaching and mentoring are highly valued assets.
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 attractive internationally and that is independent of research funding and grants
- Substantial core research funding (€1.25M to €1.5M), renewable every 5 years
- Access to top-notch core facilities including single cell genomics
and bioinformatics, metabolomics, next generation sequencing,
mouse genomic engineering and animal housing, histopathology,
light and electron microscopy, FACS. - 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
VIB is an equal opportunity employer promoting an inclusive environment in which everyone is respected.
Expected Start date: January 2022
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: May 15th.
Suitable applicants will be invited to CCB to present a seminar on their achievements and future research. The visit will also include interviews with group leaders of CCB and KU Leuven as well as with VIB and KU Leuven key people.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Please contact the Scientific Directors Diether Lambrechts or Jean Christophe Marine or Departmental Manager Leen Notebaert
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 Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, the largest and oldest university of the Low Countries and the oldest Catholic university still in existence. 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.
