About the Lab

The lab of Jeroen Raes (VIB, KU Leuven) is home to a vibrant, dynamic and international group of researchers in the field of gut microbial ecology and its clinical applications. Beyond our expertise in bioinformatics and metagenomic analysis we offer hands-on clinical experience through cohort studies. These include cross-sectional and longitudinal cohorts, time-series intervention trials (e.g., diet, FMT), and ex vivo gut models enabling advanced multi-omics analyses of these samples. In addition the lab also maintains a large culture collection, partially linked to genomic data, and operates state-of-the-art facilities for cultivating and analyzing colon bacteria to study their physiology, function and interactions. Finally, as members of VIB.AI, the newly established center for artificial intelligence in life sciences, we benefit from high-throughput computing infrastructure to support advanced data analysis and integration.

Profile

We are looking for a motivated postdoctoral researcher interested in studying human-associated microbial communities in health and disease. The ideal candidate has the following qualifications:

A PhD degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, human microbiota, microbiology or other relevant areas and/or comparable expertise (e.g from industry).
Demonstrated expertise in omics data analysis, for example with (meta)genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, single cell and/or genotyping data.
Microbiology techniques is a plus but not required.
Experience in molecular biology techniques for processing and analysis of DNA and RNA is a plus but no requirement.

We value diversity in skill sets and encourage applicants with a keen interest in contributing to groundbreaking research at the intersection of bioinformatics, microbiome science and human health. We look for applicants with an excellent publication track record (or equivalent experience) and strong scientific drive. We provide a stimulating and supportive environment to help you continue pursuing your scientific career. More info and application:

We offer

VIB-KULeuven is an exciting, interdisciplinary research institute with excellent facilities and leading research groups in e.g. gastroenterology, oncology, immunology, microbiology & virology, clinical genetics/-omics, molecular biology and translational research. The Raes lab has a long track record in microbiota research and prides itself on excellent publication records for a majority of lab members.

We are located at the Gasthuisberg Hospital campus of the KU Leuven (Fac. of Medicine) and has on-site robotic sample processing, high-throughput computing resources as well as next-generation sequencing and anaerobic microbiology facilities.

You can build upon significant lab resources as well as guidance from a multidisciplinary team of students and postdocs. Interested? Check out our laboratory and publications on and/or

Postdoctoral position in human gut microbiome and bioinformatics