项目介绍

2025年2月2日

Our lab combines experimental and computational approaches to understand animal morphogenesis. We pioneer state-of-the-art cellular models to infer forces from images and simulate morphogenesis dynamically for various experimental systems. The lab is part of the Bioengineering faculty of KU Leuven, known for its strong record of combining advanced modeling with experimentation to study living systems for both applied and fundamental research. Across faculties, there is an active community of computational biologists, biophysicists and bioinformaticians. The lab is located on a beautiful campus just outside historic Leuven.

Website van de eenheid

Project

We are looking for a talented and motivated Computational Biology PhD candidate to join our interdisciplinary team, focusing on how developing animal systems self-organize and acquire shapes. In our lab, we work with detailed registrations of embryos over time based on fluorescence confocal microscopy and advanced image processing. We previously developed tools to accurately characterize and compare shapes, and infer the forces generated by the cells in static representations. The overall aim of the PhD will be to build on this and analyze morphogenesis over time. We work both through international collaborations with experimental groups and with data generated in our lab.

The specific content of the PhD project includes research involving biophysical simulations of morphogenesis, inferring cellular forces from time-lapse data, modeling cell shapes with machine learning, and exploring causal inference in complex biological systems. As a member of our team, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to work closely with experts in the field and contribute to cutting-edge research in this area.

The ideal candidate should have a strong background in computational biology, bioinformatics, biophysics, or a related field. Experience with image processing, modeling, and numerical simulation is a plus. We offer a supportive and intellectually stimulating research environment, excellent opportunities for professional development, and competitive salary and benefit packages.

Profile

• Talented and enthusiastic researcher. Master degree in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Bioengineering/Biotechnology, Biophysics, or related discipline. Good grasp of computing and statistics, sufficient understanding of molecular/cellular biology and genetics.
• Good communicative skills and a collaborative attitude
• Advanced command of English is required (knowledge of Dutch is not required)

Offer

• A project with great scientific potential.
• Excellent scientific environment in a top-ranked university, using state-of-the-art technology and methodology.
• Living in the beautiful medieval university town Leuven, a lively city situated in the heart of Europe, 20 km from Brussels.
• Good remuneration and benefits.
• Funding is guaranteed (4 years). The successful candidate will also be encouraged to apply for fellowships, such as those offered by the Flemish Research Foundation (FWO).
• Applicants should submit a detailed CV and a cover letter expressing their motivation and interest in the position.
• Contact details for two referees who can provide academic references (no letters are required).

Interested?

For more information please don’t hesitate to contact Rob Jelier: rob.jelier@kuleuven.be.You can apply for this job no later than March 03, 2025 via the online application tool

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. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

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