Group Leader and Professor AI in Biology

Application deadline: November 15, 2026 | Start date: 2027

The VIB Center for AI & Computational Biology () and are searching for a Principal Investigator to join their faculty (Group Leader at VIB and Professor (assistant professor, associate professor, professor or full professor) at KU Leuven, Dept of Computer Science and Dept. Electrical Engineering). 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.

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 modeling of cell morphology and tissue function using imaging and computer vision; AI models of disease and digital twin applications. We also welcome applicants with applied projects, including synthetic biology, AI-driven experiments (experiment-in-the-loop), and bio-engineering.

This position comes 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.

Assignment

Research. As a VIB Group Leader and KU Leuven Professor, you will be expected to (continue to) build your research program with your own independent research group, and to set up or consolidate a strong network with other researchers within VIB, KU Leuven and beyond. You strive for excellence in your research and thereby contribute to the scientific development of the new VIB.
AI center.

Teaching. The candidate will be appointed at the Faculty of Engineering Science and will take up teaching assignments (in English or in Dutch). You ensure high-quality education, with a clear commitment to the quality of the program as a whole. You also contribute to the pedagogic project of the university through the supervision of MSc theses and as a promoter of PhD students.

Service. You provide scientific, societal, and internal services that contribute to the reputation of the entire VIB and university.

Your profile

PhD or equivalent experience in machine learning or a related quantitative field (Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, Computational Biology/Chemistry). Candidates will be considered at junior or more senior levels assuming relevant experience in foundational machine learning research and/or applied machine learning in an academic and/or industrial setting (post-doctoral). Excellent machine learning and programming experience. Published impactful research, demonstrates creativity, originality, and addresses relevant problems in biology & computational research. Demonstrated ability to acquire competitive funding. Interdisciplinary mindset and keen on collaborating broadly in the center, the department and the university. Motivated to guide postdoctoral researchers, PhD interns, and full-time scientists. International working experience. You have a thorough knowledge of spoken and written English. The official administrative language at KU Leuven is Dutch. If you do not speak Dutch or are not proficient at the beginning of your employment, VIB and KU Leuven will offer language training. You are required to achieve a CEFR-level of B2 in Dutch within five years of starting your appointment.

Our offer

Substantial core research funding that is renewable every 5 years. An attractive employment package including 100% of your salary and excellent health benefits. Access to a vibrant academic environment that encourages collaboration with top experts in biology, especially within the field of computational biology, at VIB and KUL. New open-design state-of-the-art research space. Access to computing cluster infrastructure at the and . Access to excellent and staffed core facilities at the , at , and at (including sequencing, proteomics, single-cell, microscopy, data core, and many more). Possibility to also perform wet lab activities in state-of-the art infrastructure.
Broad administrative support, including help recruiting technicians, PhD students and post-doc scientists for your group. Access to a dedicated business development team specialized in technology transfer and valorization. Professional leadership training. An internationally recognized w