Early Career Group Leader in Cancer Immunobiology

About the role

The VIB Center for Cancer Biology (VIB CCB) and the Department of Oncology at KU Leuven are recruiting an early career group leader (PI) in cancer biology, with a focus on the cross-talk between cancer cells and their tumor microenvironment. The position is linked to an assistant professor appointment at the KU Leuven Department of Oncology, and the candidate must be selected by both the CCB and the department.

Key responsibilities

• Lead a ground-breaking scientific program addressing basic research questions with strong translational potential.
• Focus on novel omics technologies applied to oncology and unmet patient needs, especially the cross-talk between tumors and the innate and adaptive immune system.
• Build bridges between existing research groups at VIB and KU Leuven, other academic centers and the industry.
• Develop innovative reductionist approaches (e.g. 3D tumoroid models) and in vivo models (mouse genetics, lineage tracing, PDXs) to test clinical relevance with human clinical samples.
• A dedicated focus on a specific cancer indication or biological process (metastasis, lymph node involvement, circulating tumor cells, tumor-microenvironment interactions) is a plus.

Required profile

• PhD in biomedical sciences or another field well suited to the research program.
• Strong research record with publications in leading international journals and conferences.
• International research experience and an interdisciplinary, collaborative mindset.
• Organizational skills, leadership capacity and interest in outreach.
• Proficiency in English; Dutch is not required at the start of employment, as language training is provided, and a CEFR B2 certificate in Dutch is expected within five years.

What we offer

• An internationally attractive employment package independent of research funding, with excellent healthcare benefits.
• Mentoring program and a Group Leader coaching track.
• Access to core facilities at CCB, VIB and KU Leuven, and broad administrative support.
• Collaboration with clinicians from the University Hospital UZ Leuven on the same campus.
• Assistance with relocation, visa application, housing and schooling.

Applications close on 15 November 2026 through the online application tool, with a motivation letter, CV, bio sketch, vision on education and three references.