Data Scientist–Agentic Bioinformatics

pBioinformatics AI Expertise Unit /p pVIB–KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology (CCB), Leuven, Belgium /p pThe VIB–KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology (CCB) is a leading research institute focused on understanding cancer biology and developing innovative therapies. Our Bioinformatics AI Expertise Unit provides advanced computational support to multiple research groups within CCB (Learn more: Bioinformatics AI). /p pWe are seeking an bData Scientist /b with a background in bioinformatics or computational biology to explore, build, and deploy tools based on large language models (LLMs) that support research at CCB. This includes agentic workflows that help researchers find suitable methods, write and run analysis code, and work with multi‑omics and spatial data. You will critically evaluate these tools, bring the useful ones into daily use across research groups, and help the CCB community use them effectively and responsibly. /p pYou will join a growing team led by Dr. Masoomeh Rahimpour and work closely with the Integrative Cancer Genomics lab of Prof. Jonas Demeulemeester, other CCB Expertise Units, and the ML Unit of VIB.
AI, the VIB Center for AI Computational Biology (Learn more: VIB.
AI). /p h3Key Responsibilities /h3 ul liBuild LLM-based tools and agentic workflows for bioinformatics tasks, such as assistants that help run and document standard analyses, retrieval over internal protocols and documentation. /li liConnect LLM tools to existing bioinformatics resources, including our pipelines, HPC environment, databases, and public resources (e.g., via tool calling or MCP). /li liEvaluate the reliability of these tools on realistic research tasks, with attention to correctness, reproducibility, and data privacy. /li liDeploy and maintain tools for CCB researchers in collaboration with the ML Unit at VIB.
AI and the Vlaams Supercomputer Centrum (VSC). /li liStay up to date with state‑of‑the‑art methods in LLMs, AI agents, and computational biology; evaluate, benchmark, and introduce relevant tools and best practices. /li liDeliver training and workshops on the practical and responsible use of LLMs and AI tools in research. /li /ul h3Profile /h3 pWe welcome applications from all backgrounds and career paths. If this role interests you and you meet most of the essential requirements, we encourage you to apply. /p ul liA PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, or a related field or equivalent professional experience (e.g. in industry). /li liStrong programming skills in Python. /li liHands‑on experience with LLMs (via APIs or open-weight models), for example prompt design, or tool/function calling. /li liWorking knowledge of common bioinformatic workflows (e.g. sequencing, single-cell, or spatial data), enough to judge whether an AI-generated analysis makes sense. /li liAbility to explain AI concepts and their limitations clearly to non-specialists. /li liWillingness to keep learning and to share knowledge with colleagues. /li liGood communication skills in English. /li /ul h3Nice To Have /h3 ul liExperience with retrieval‑augmented generation (RAG) over scientific literature or internal documentation. /li liExperience with agent frameworks (e.g. LangGraph or similar). /li liExperience running open-weight models on local or HPC hardware. /li /ul h3What

We Offer
/h3 ul liAccess to unique datasets and cutting‑edge infrastructure. /li liA collaborative and international research environment. /li liSupport for your personal and professional development through training, mentoring, and career development. /li liA salary in line with VIB salary scales, based on your experience, and a benefit package. /li liA full‑time, indefinite contract with flexible

working hours
. /li /ul pApplication deadline: 30 November 2026 /p pFor inquiries, contact bwith subject line: Data Scientist
- Agentic Bioinformatics /b /p