LLM Engineer

Description

VIB is a leading life sciences research institute in Flanders, Belgium, with a strong focus on translating basic scientific discoveries into benefits for society. With the launch of VIB.AI , we are expanding our mission to harness the power of artificial intelligence for life sciences research, innovation, and impact.

The VIB Center for Neuroscience Leuven (CNL) investigates the mechanisms of brain function and neurological disease across the scales of biology, spanning neurodegeneration, neurodevelopment, synaptic biology, and computational neuroscience. AI and large language models have transformative potential across these research areas.

We are now looking for an LLM Engineer in a shared position between VIB.AI's Machine Learning Expertise Unit and the Center for Neuroscience. You will split your time between building institute-wide AI tools and applying them directly to neuroscience research challenges.

Your role

As an LLM Engineer in this shared position, you will:

• Develop and deploy LLM-based pilot projects tailored to neuroscience research at the CNL, applying AI to questions in molecular, cellular and circuit neuroscience, neurodegeneration, neurodevelopment and disease mechanisms.
• Build and maintain components of VIB's institutional intelligence layer, including agentic bioinformatics workflows, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) systems, and AI-assisted experimental design tools.
• Design, implement, and evaluate LLM-based solutions for scientific text mining, multimodal integration of literature and biological data, and knowledge extraction to support discovery.
• Collaborate with wet-lab and computational neuroscience researchers to identify opportunities where generative AI and LLMs can accelerate scientific progress.
• Work with the Machine Learning Expertise Unit and VIB's AI Studio to translate pilot projects into practical tools that serve the broader VIB community.
• Promote ethical, transparent, and responsible use of LLMs in line with best practices and international standards.
• Mine opportunities and data at the center’s advanced technology expertise centers and affiliated central core facilities.
• Leverage VIB's Data Core services, including high-performance computing pipelines and large-scale GPU resources, to scale LLM development and deployment.

Your profile

• PhD in machine learning, computer science, computational biology, computational neuroscience, statistics, or a related field.
• Strong experience with large language models, including pretraining, fine-tuning, prompt engineering, and evaluation.
• Knowledge of modern deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, JAX, TensorFlow).
• Experience with real-world applications of LLMs in scientific or biomedical contexts is a plus.
• Familiarity with neuroscience data types (imaging, electrophysiology, genomics, proteomics, or clinical data) is a plus but not required.
• Ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and communicate effectively with researchers from different backgrounds.
• A strong interest in applying LLMs to impactful life science and neuroscience problems.

We offer

• A stimulating, international, interdisciplinary, collaborative, and supportive work environment, which emphasizes diversity and inclusion.
• An environment that promotes personal development.
• The opportunity to pioneer applications of LLMs in neuroscience and the broader life sciences.
• A unique position at the interface of an AI platform team and a world-class neuroscience research center, with exposure to both engineering and scientific challenges.
• Direct access to VIB's Data Core services, which provide expert support in data management and high-performance computing, including optimized pipelines and large-scale GPU resources.
• A competitive salary and benefits package, with relocation support if needed.
• The chance to make a lasting impact on science, health, and society.

How to apply

Please complete the application through the VIB online application tool. A complete application file should contain the following documents:

• Your motivation letter stating career goals, past experience, and how these relate to the current position.
• Your CV.
• Contact information of three references.

For further information, please send an email to [email protected] or [email protected] with subject title Inquiry: LLM Engineer CNL/VIB.AI .