Postdoctoral position: “Multi-omics liquid biopsy to advance precision medicine”
KU Leuven is an autonomous university founded in 1425, growing within the Catholic tradition.
The laboratory of Prof. Vermeesch translates and implements novel genomic technologies to improve patient care, using liquid biopsies as biomarkers to monitor and detect genic and non-genic diseases. Prof. Vermeesch is the scientific director of the genomics core facility.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated candidate to start a postdoctoral trajectory in liquid biopsy method development for improved cancer and prenatal management. The project has a strong focus on novel design and implementation of different (Bio)IT pipelines and tools. As a key member, you will lead, coordinate, and mentor the bioinformatics team. A PhD degree in Engineering, Bioinformatics, or Biomedical sciences is required, along with a keen interest in genetics and strong English language skills.
Project background
Genomic medicine moves healthcare from being reactive to disease to being predictive. Next- and third-generation sequencing technologies have leveraged novel concepts to diagnose, treat, and monitor diseases. Analysis of free-floating cfDNA from blood or other body fluids, called “liquid biopsy,” represents an emerging tool that enables non-invasive monitoring of tissue dynamics in various physiological and pathological conditions, including pregnancy and cancer. In the laboratory, we are developing innovative approaches for (epi)genome-wide cfDNA analysis that can lead to novel applications to detect, monitor, and screen for cancer, pregnancy complications, and other diseases. You will advance the technology, be embedded in a team performing clinical validation studies, and work with industrial partners.
Profile
1. Strong computational, programming, and/or data analysis skills with an IT, BioIT, or engineering background.
2. Experience with the development and validation of bioinformatic pipelines.
3. Good knowledge of statistical methods; experience with AI is an asset.
4. Knowledge of and experience with bioinformatic pipelines for the analysis of Next-(/Third-) Generation Sequencing and other -omics data.
5. Proficiency in several programming languages: Python, R, bash, Perl.
6. Familiarity with NGS and deployment platform-related software packages and technologies.
7. Understanding of programming standards, unit tests, and software development tools.
8. Experience in workflow managers (e.g., Nextflow).
9. Experience in cloud-based systems, preferably GCP, and container technologies (e.g., Docker).
10. Knowledge of relational databases and SQL for big data analyses.
11. Problem-solving attitude and critical analytical thinking.
12. A keen interest and motivation to work on ambitious projects in a dynamic multidisciplinary team.
13. Strong leadership skills to coordinate and mentor the bioinformatics team.
14. Knowledge of genetics and epigenetics is an asset.
15. Ability to meet timelines and work accurately.
Offer
We have initial funding available for three years. You will have access to onsite state-of-the-art facilities, including single cell analysis platforms, Flow cytometry, High-Throughput Sequencing, Bioinformatics, Imaging, and high-capacity computing. You will be embedded in the laboratory and closely interact with the KULeuven Genomics Core facility, the largest sequencing facility in Belgium, which offers a broad portfolio of NGS techniques for academic labs, companies, and hospitals. Located in Leuven, a vibrant and international town, we are only a stone’s throw away from Brussels, the heart of Europe, and part of the University of Leuven, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe.
Interested?
For more information, please contact Prof. Dr. Joris Vermeesch at joris.vermeesch@kuleuven.be.
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful, and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities and do not accept any form of discrimination.
Job details
Title: Postdoctoral position: “Multi-omics liquid biopsy to advance precision medicine”
Application Deadline: 2025-01-30 23:59 (Europe/Brussels)
#J-18808-Ljbffr