Group Leader & Professor AI in Biology (Computer Science & Electrical Engineering)

About the role

The VIB Center for AI & Computational Biology and KU Leuven seek a VIB Group Leader and Professor to develop and lead an independent research program at the intersection of artificial intelligence and biology. The role combines research leadership, teaching responsibilities, and service to the university and research community.

Key responsibilities

• Build and sustain an independent research group focusing on AI-driven biology.
• Establish collaborations within VIB, KU Leuven and external partners.
• Teach courses in English or Dutch and supervise MSc theses and PhD projects.
• Provide scientific, societal and internal service to enhance the reputation of VIB and KU Leuven.

Required profile

• PhD or equivalent in machine learning, computer science, statistics, mathematics, physics or computational biology/chemistry.
• Strong publication record with impactful research in AI and biology.
• Demonstrated ability to obtain competitive research funding.
• Interdisciplinary mindset and experience guiding post‑doctoral researchers and PhD students.
• International work experience and fluency in English; Dutch language training provided.

Required skills

• Machine learning
• Programming (e.g., Python)
• Deep learning and AI architectures
• Mechanistic and hybrid modeling
• Computer vision applied to biological imaging

What we offer

• Substantial core research funding renewable every five years.
• Full salary (100%) with excellent health benefits.
• State‑of‑the‑art research space, computing clusters and core facilities.
• Support for recruiting staff, PhD students and post‑docs.
• Professional leadership training and business development assistance.
• Relocation support, visa assistance and help finding housing, schooling and daycare.