Open Group Leader and Professor Positions: AI in Biology at VIB.AI

VIB (Flanders Institute for Biotechnology) is an entrepreneurial non-profit research institute, with a clear focus on ground-breaking strategic basic research in life sciences and operates in close partnership with the five universities in Flanders. VIB strives for a respectful and supportive working environment and a culture of belonging for diverse talents in the organization.

VIB.AI was established in 2023 as the 10th VIB center, with the core mission to study fundamental problems in biology by combining machine learning with in-depth knowledge of biological processes. We aim to work towards foundation models and integrative theories of biological systems, and towards innovative AI-driven biotech applications in synthetic biology, agro-tech, and personalized medicine. AI-driven research at VIB.AI starts from biological questions and challenges that are addressed using state-of-the-art and novel computational and AI strategies, through close interactions and iterations with biological experiments and research labs within VIB.AI and across VIB. Additionally, we are committed to fostering computational and AI research excellence across all VIB Centers, amplifying collaboration (13 affiliated GLs ) and pushing the boundaries of innovation in all of VIB’s research domains (plant biology, cancer biology, structural biology, medical biotechnology, neuroscience, immunology and microbiology). 

The VIB Center for AI & Computational Biology ( VIB.AI ) is searching for Principal Investigators to join their faculty (Group Leader at VIB, Professor at KU Leuven or Ghent University, in tenure track for faculty). We are particularly interested in recruiting faculty members who use and develop artificial intelligence methods and mechanistic mathematical models to address fundamental questions in biology .

Examples of research topics include but are not limited to: development of new AI architectures for biology and hybrid models that combine deep learning with mechanistic models; foundation models of genome regulation using single-cell and spatial multi-omics data; AI-based modeling of protein structure and protein interaction networks; AI-based modeling of cell morphology and tissue function using imaging and computer vision; AI models of disease and digital twin applications. Biological applications are broad: microorganisms, plants biotechnology, neuroscience, cancer, immunology. We also welcome applicants with applied projects, including synthetic biology, AI-driven experiments (experiment-in-the-loop), and bio-engineering.

This position comes with full salary and core funding (internationally competitive package) that is renewable for multiple additional 5-year periods, and access to state-of-the-art research and top-notch support core facilities, as well as support to attract talented PhD students and postdocs from across the world. This position is linked with a professor position in tenure track at one of the partner universities, KU Leuven or Ghent University .

Assignment

Research. As a VIB Group Leader and Professor at one of the partner universities, you will be expected to (continue to) build your research program with your own independent research group, and to set up or consolidate a strong network with other researchers within VIB, the partner universities and beyond. You strive for excellence in your research and thereby contribute to the scientific development of the new VIB.AI center.

Teaching. The candidate will be appointed at one of the partner universities and will take up teaching assignments (in English or in Dutch) in either of these faculties. You ensure high-quality education, with a clear commitment to the quality of the program as a whole. You also contribute to the pedagogic project of the university through the supervision of MSc theses and as a promoter of PhD students.

Service. You provide scientific, societal and internal services that contribute to the reputation of the entire VIB and university.

Your profile

• PhD or equivalent experience in machine learning or a related quantitative field (Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, Computational Biology/Chemistry).
• Candidates will be considered at junior or more senior levels assuming relevant experience in foundational machine learning research and/or applied machine learning in an academic and/or industrial setting (post-doctoral).
• Excellent machine learning and programming experience.
• Published impactful research, demonstrates creativity, originality and addresses relevant problems in biology & computational research.
• Demonstrated ability to acquire competitive funding.
• Interdisciplinary mindset and keen on collaborating broadly in the center, the department and the university.
• Motivated to guide postdoctoral researchers, PhD interns, and full-time scientists.
• International working experience.
• You have a thorough knowledge of spoken and written English.
• The official administrative language at KU Leuven and Ghent University is Dutch. If you do not speak Dutch or are not proficient at the beginning of your employment, VIB and the university will offer language training. You are required to achieve a CEFR-level of B2 in Dutch within five years of starting your appointment.
• Possibility to also perform wet lab activities in state-of-the art infrastructure.

We offer

• Substantial core research funding that is renewable every 5 years.
• An attractive employment package including 100% of your salary and excellent health benefits.
• Access to a vibrant academic environment that encourages collaboration with top experts in biology, especially within the field of computational biology, at VIB and universities.
• New open-design state-of-the-art research space.
• Access to computing cluster infrastructure at the VIB Data Core and Flemish Supercomputer Center .
• Access to excellent and staffed core facilities at the Center , at VIB , and university (including sequencing, proteomics, single-cell, microscopy, data core,  and many more).
• Broad administrative support, including help recruiting technicians, PhD students and postdoc scientists for your group.
• Access to a dedicated business development team specialized in technology transfer and valorization.
• Professional leadership training.
• An internationally recognized workplace that values diversity, promotes an inclusive environment.
• Help with relocation and establishing a life in Belgium, including visa application (if necessary), and finding housing, schooling and daycare.
• The successful candidate should also be selected for Professor at KU Leuven or Ghent University.

Start date: Q1-Q2 2026

How to apply

Please use the VIB HR application tool and upload:

• a cover/motivation letter
• your full CV with publication list
• a 2-page biosketch including your top 5 publications or achievements
• a 2-4 page statement of your research plan including your vision for the new VIB.AI center
• a 1 page statement about your vision on teaching, outreach, and technology transfer (valorization)
• contact details of 3 referees

Application deadline: 14 June 2025

Online interviews are planned for 7-10 July 2025

On-site interviews are planned for September/October 2025

For more information

If you have any questions about the positions or need assistance in determining which location would be the best fit for your lab, please do not hesitate to contact Stein Aerts , Science director at VIB.AI.