项目介绍

2026年4月19日

The Evolutionary and Computational Virology (ECV) Lab is embedded within the Laboratory of Clinical and Epidemiological Virology at the Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven. The Rega Institute is an internationally recognized center of excellence in virology, immunology, and infectious disease research, with a strong track record in fundamental, translational, and clinical science. At ECV, the team of Prof. Philippe Lemey focuses on the development and application of advanced computational and statistical approaches to study virus evolution across scales, from within-host dynamics to global spread and deep evolutionary histories. The group has a strong emphasis on phylogenetic and phylodynamic methodology, integrating genomic, epidemiological, and ecological data to better understand the origins, diversification, and transmission of viral pathogens.

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Project

Understanding how viruses evolve over deep evolutionary timescales remains one of the major open challenges in evolutionary biology. While viral genomes provide rich information about recent transmission and adaptation, reconstructing ancient evolutionary histories is hindered by complex substitution processes, saturation of genetic signal, and limitations in current phylogenetic models. This project aims to overcome these challenges by developing and applying innovative computational approaches to better understand long-term virus evolution.
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join the interdisciplinary project “Carving a Window into Deep Evolutionary Histories”. The project focuses on the development of novel Bayesian phylogenetic methodology, combined with emerging data types such as protein structural information enabled by recent advances in artificial intelligence. By moving beyond traditional sequence-based analyses, the project aims to unlock evolutionary signal preserved over deep timescales and provide new insights into virus origins, diversification, and host interactions.
The research will combine statistical model development, computational implementation (e.g. within the BEAST framework), and application to key viral systems, including hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepaciviruses. Central objectives include improving molecular clock models that capture time-dependent evolutionary rates and developing phylogenetic approaches based on protein structure representations. These advances will be used to address fundamental questions about virus evolution, including the role of ancient human migrations and cross-species transmission in shaping viral diversity.

Profile

• Hold, or will obtain by September 2026, a master’s degree (or equivalent) in Biology, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field
• For candidates with a biological background: demonstrated affinity with computational biology, bioinformatics, or quantitative analysis
• For candidates with a computational background: strong interest in biological and life science applications, in particular virus evolution
• Solid understanding of evolutionary biology, phylogenetics, or statistical modelling is an asset
• Experience with programming and/or high-performance computing is highly desirable
• Interest in developing and applying computational or statistical methods to biological data
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an international and interdisciplinary research environment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent command of written and spoken English
• Good communication and presentation skills for both scientific and non-scientific audiences

The ideal candidate combines a strong quantitative mindset with a genuine interest in evolutionary biology and virology. Prior experience with phylogenetic or Bayesian inference methods (e.g. BEAST or related tools) is an advantage, but not required—motivated candidates will have ample opportunity to develop these skills during the PhD. Please include a CV and brief motivation letter in the application.

Offer

We offer a fully funded full-time PhD position for 4 years. The position is located at the Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, in Leuven, Belgium and is available from September 2026.
The successful candidate will join a dynamic and internationally leading research environment at KU Leuven, with extensive collaborative networks in evolutionary biology, virology, and statistical methodology. The project provides an excellent opportunity to work at the forefront of computational and evolutionary virology, contributing to the development of innovative methods with broad impact in the field.
The candidate will receive advanced training in Bayesian phylogenetics, computational biology, and high-performance computing, and will be encouraged to develop an independent research profile. Opportunities for international collaboration, conference participation, and research stays abroad are actively supported.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Philippe Lemey, mail: philippe.lemey@kuleuven.be or Mr. Jon Mifsud, mail: jon.mifsud@kuleuven.be.You can apply for this job no later than May 08, 2026 via the online application tool