Group Leader and Professor AI in Biology

About the role

The VIB Center for AI & Computational Biology (VIB.AI) and KU Leuven are looking for a Principal Investigator to join its faculty: Group Leader at VIB and Professor (assistant, associate, or full professor) at KU Leuven, in the Departments of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. The position is based in Leuven, starts in 2027 and comes with full salary and core funding.

Key responsibilities

• Build your own independent research group and set up a strong network with researchers at VIB, KU Leuven and beyond.
• Research focuses on AI and mechanistic mathematical models in biology, such as new AI architectures, foundation models of genome regulation, protein structure modelling, cell morphology and disease models.
• Teaching at the Faculty of Engineering Science, in English or Dutch, with supervision of MSc theses and promotion of PhD students.
• Provide scientific, societal and internal service to the VIB and the university.

Required profile

• PhD or equivalent in machine learning or a related quantitative field (Computer Science, AI, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, Computational Biology/Chemistry).
• Excellent machine learning and programming experience; published, impactful research.
• Demonstrated ability to secure competitive funding and international working experience.
• Thorough knowledge of spoken and written English; Dutch is the administrative language at KU Leuven, and language training is offered until a B2 level is reached within five years.

What we offer

• Core research funding renewable every 5 years, plus an employment package covering 100% of salary and health benefits.
• Access to computing clusters, core facilities and the possibility of wet-lab work.
• Broad administrative support, a business development team for technology transfer, professional leadership training and relocation assistance.
• Appointment as Professor at KU Leuven.

Applications are submitted online by 15 November 2026 with a cover letter, CV, bio sketch, research plan and teaching/vision statement, plus three referees.