Postdoctoral position in the lab of Computational Neurobiology

Project description

In the Computational Neurobiology lab we study the regulatory mechanisms underlying normal and aberrant cellular-decision making in the human brain in health and disease. In particular, we investigate the role of spatial chromatin organisation, using a variety of targeted and genome-wide profiling technologies, such as 4C, CHi-C, and (sc)SPRITE, and develop statistical and machine learning approaches for multimodal data integration and cis-regulatory network reconstruction.

We are looking for a talented and highly motivated scientist for a postdoctoral position in our lab to work on a project at the intersection of graph theory, spatial chromatin organisation and neuroscience. The major aims of the project are to develop (i) a statistical tool for differential analysis of (single-cell) multiway chromatin interactions and (ii) a computational approach for integration of multi-way chromatin interactions into cis-regulatory networks in order to reveal the regulatory mechanisms underlying heterogeneity of early neuronal cell fate acquisition.

Profile

Required skills

The candidate should:

• have a PhD in applied mathematics, computer science, machine learning or related disciplines
• have strong knowledge of and experience in statistics, data integration and (ideally graph) machine learning
• have prior experience in developing and benchmarking statistical tools
• have excellent programming skills in Python (R is a plus)
• have excellent communication and writing skills in English
• be able to efficiently communicate with experimental and computational scientists

Desirable skills

The following skills are not a must but would be a strong plus

• strong knowledge of causal inference and formal graph analysis
• knowledge of gene regulatory mechanisms
• processing and analysis of 2D and 3D omics data

We offer

As part of the VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology and VIB, the applicant will benefit from established national and international collaborations and access to centralised facilities with expertise in bioinformatics, functional genomics and neuroscience. Furthermore, as part of the recently established VIB Center for AI and Computational Biology, the host lab contributes to and benefits from the strong computational and machine learning community at VIB. The successful applicant will therefore benefit from and play an active role in the life of both centers, for example via organisation of and participation in computational seminars, symposiums and hackathons.

VIB provides a highly interactive environment and ample training opportunities for its researchers. In addition, the VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology is located in the city of Antwerp, the capital of Flanders, offering a culturally and historically rich, and ethnically diverse environment.

The VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology has 7 PIs and hosts internationally recognized leaders in the field of Neurogenetics and Neuroinflammation. Current research groups address a broad set of questions related to neurodegenerative diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system, with an emphasis on understanding genetic aetiology and developing diagnostics and treatment methods for these diseases. Approaches range from human genetics, genomics, protein biochemistry and neuronal and glial cell biology to integrative systems and computational biology. Models include yeast, fly, mouse, and pluripotent human cell systems. Research groups have access to state-of-the-art research and top-notch support core facilities and attract talented international scientists from across the world.

• The host lab will provide financial support for two years
• The applicant will be expected to actively seek independent funding and will be fully assisted in applying for personal fellowships, such as FWO, ELLIS, MSCA and HFSP.
• Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and core computational facilities in a vibrant, world-class research environment operating at an international level
• Dedicated training programs available through VIB and UAntwerp to broaden your expertise and enhance your skill set
• A stimulating and international research environment
• A strong and dynamic network of international collaborators

Starting date: January 2024 or as soon as possible after that.

How to apply?

You can apply for this job through the online VIB job application platform.

Don t forget to include the following document(s):

• a detailed CV, detailing a set of mastered computational skills and publications if any (2 pages max.)
• a letter of motivation describing your relevant research experience, competitive advantages and explaining why you want to work on this project (1-1.5 pages max)
• contact details of two referees

For more information: please contact or