POSTDOCTORAL SCIENTIST SINGLE-CELL BIOINFORMATICS IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

(ref. BAP-2020-487)

The Laboratory for Neuroimmunology focusses on translational research on multiple sclerosis (MS). This means that we start from important clinical questions, and investigate these in the laboratory. The aim is to translate the results back to improved health care for MS patients. To reach this goal, the Laboratory for Neuroimmunology has a translational structure with a clear research and clinical pillar. These two pillars build on the complementary expertise of Prof. An Goris and Prof. Bénédicte Dubois. Our research lines include identification of genetic risk factors for susceptibility of MS, genetic risk factors for heterogeneity in MS and functional follow-up of genetic risk factors. More information and examples of recent work can be found on our website: http://gbiomed.kuleuven.be/lni. Our research group also contributes to leading large-scale international communities, such as the International Multiple Sclerosis Genetic Consortium (www.imsgc.net) and the MultipleMS project (www.multiplems.eu).

Responsibilities

You will play a key role in local projects (Research Foundation Flanders, Queen Elisabeth Medical Foundation, …) as well as in international collaborative projects. In particular, you will analyze multi-omics (DNA, RNA, T- and B-cell receptor, …) single-cell data from blood and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with multiple sclerosis and combine these with other types of data on the same patients (clinical, immunological, imaging, …). You will be co-responsible for management and successful completion of these projects and play a key role in the publication of the results. You will train multidisciplinary team members in the usage of computational analysis methods, and you will co-supervise PhD and Master thesis students.

Profile

We are seeking highly motivated individuals with a strong background and track record in single-cell analysis and bioinformatics and a strong interest in the application of these technologies to the immunogenetics in health and disease. 

Essential knowledge, skills, and experience required:

• MSc in a relevant field such as Biomedical Sciences, Bio-engineering, Bioinformatics or Life Sciences with a PhD in a relevant topic

• A computational mindset and a strong interest in computational biology

• Expertise and proven track record in large-scale biological data analysis in health sciences, preferably single-cell analysis

• Proficiency in UNIX/Linux and in R programming language

• Experience with large-scale computational analysis; running software on a high-performance computing cluster

• High sense of accuracy

• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills

• Able to work independently but also as a team member and in collaboration with international colleagues

• Fluency in written and spoken English

Additional desirable skills and experience:

• Knowledge of human genetics and/or immunology

• Programming skills in other languages than R

Offer

We offer a full-time postdoctoral scientist position for one year, renewable for up to three years, in an intellectually challenging environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure and extensive international contacts. We offer a competitive salary or fellowship, with extra benefits (e.g. health insurance, ecocheques, holiday package, reimbursement of train/bus, children day care, access to facilities such as student restaurant, sport infrastructure etc.).

KU Leuven is a research-intensive, internationally oriented university that carries out both fundamental and applied scientific research. It is highly inter- and multidisciplinary focused and strives for international excellence. In this regard, it actively works together with research partners in Belgium and abroad.  You will work in Leuven, a historic, dynamic and lively city located in the heart of Belgium, within 20 minutes from Brussels, the capital of the European Union, and less than two hours from Paris, London and Amsterdam.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. An Goris, tel.: +32 16 33 07 72, mail: an.goris@kuleuven.be.

To apply, please complete the online application procedure and include a detailed CV including a list of publications, a motivation letter, and the contact information of three references.

You can apply for this job no later than July 08, 2020 via the online application tool

KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at diversiteit.HR@kuleuven.be.