Data Scientist – Agentic Bioinformatics

About the role

The Bioinformatics & AI Expertise Unit of the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology (CCB) in Leuven, Belgium, is looking for a Data Scientist with a background in bioinformatics or computational biology. The role explores, builds and deploys tools based on large language models (LLMs) that support research at CCB, including agentic workflows that help researchers find methods, write and run analysis code, and work with multi-omics and spatial data. The candidate works in a team led by Dr. Masoomeh Rahimpour, close to the Integrative Cancer Genomics lab of Prof. Jonas Demeulemeester, other CCB units and the ML Unit of VIB.AI.

Key responsibilities

• Build LLM-based tools and agentic workflows for bioinformatics tasks, such as assistants that run and document standard analyses and retrieval over internal protocols and documentation.
• Connect LLM tools to existing bioinformatics resources, including pipelines, HPC environments, databases and public resources (e.g. via tool calling or MCP).
• Evaluate the reliability of these tools on realistic research tasks, with attention to correctness, reproducibility and data privacy.
• Deploy and maintain tools for CCB researchers together with the ML Unit at VIB.AI and the Vlaams Supercomputer Centrum (VSC).
• Stay up to date with LLMs, AI agents and computational biology, evaluating, benchmarking and introducing relevant tools and best practices.
• Deliver training and workshops on the practical and responsible use of LLMs and AI tools in research.

Required profile

• PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent professional experience (e.g. in industry).
• Working knowledge of common bioinformatic workflows (sequencing, single-cell, spatial data) to judge whether AI-generated analysis makes sense.
• Ability to explain AI concepts and their limitations clearly to non-specialists.
• Willingness to keep learning and to share knowledge with colleagues.
• Good communication skills in English.

Required skills

• Strong programming skills in Python.
• Hands-on experience with LLMs (APIs or open-weight models), for example prompt design or tool/function calling.
• Nice to have: RAG over scientific literature or internal documentation, agent frameworks (e.g. LangGraph), and running open-weight models on local or HPC hardware.

What we offer

• A full-time, indefinite contract with flexible working hours.
• Access to unique datasets and cutting-edge infrastructure, in a collaborative and international research environment.
• Support for personal and professional development through training, mentoring and career development.
• A salary in line with VIB salary scales, based on experience, and a benefit package.

To apply, use the CCB online application tool with a motivation letter, CV and the contact details of three references; the deadline is 30 November 2026.