About the lab
The Laboratory of Causal Systems Immunology combines causal inference, probabilistic AI and large-scale in vivo perturbation experiments to uncover how genes shape immune-cell states and predict how the immune system responds to interventions. This tight integration of advanced machine learning and experimental immunology allows us to tackle fundamental biological questions with direct biomedical relevance. We are embedded in both the VIB Center for AI & Computational Biology—a young, ambitious center whose research groups address biological questions through the lens of AI—and the VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, where we collaborate closely with leading experimental immunologists to unravel the cellular and molecular mechanisms of inflammatory diseases.
About the position
The Laboratory of Causal Systems Immunology is looking for a PhD student or postdoctoral researcher to advance in vivo perturbational screening. We have developed single-cell CRISPR technologies that enable dozens of molecular factors to be screened in vivo during development and disease, accelerating the discovery of pathways that control immune-cell behavior.
You will help expand these technologies by improving the screening pipeline, applying it in new biological contexts and uncovering mechanisms of immune regulation at the systems level.
Our lab closely integrates experimental and computational research. The position can have an experimental, computational or hybrid focus, but an interest in both areas is essential.
Depending on your profile, you will:
- Learn and apply the complete screening pipeline, from stem-cell engineering to data analysis
- Develop and test improvements in single-cell methods and vector design
- Apply the technology in steady-state and disease settings
- Analyse perturbational data to identify causal regulators of immune-cell states
- Close the loop between computational predictions and experimental validation
- Present your work at conferences and publish in scientific journals
- Contribute to the supervision of Master’s and, where appropriate, PhD students
Your profile
- A Master’s degree for PhD applicants or a PhD for postdoctoral applicants in molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, bioinformatics, computational biology, biostatistics or a related field.
- Experience in either experimental or computational biology
- Fluency in written and spoken English
Our offer
- An interdisciplinary environment spanning experimental biology, technology development and computational research
- Access to an established in vivo single-cell CRISPR screening pipeline
- The opportunity to investigate biologically and medically relevant immune-cell populations
- Access to state-of-the-art technologies, data and core facilities
- A collaborative environment across two VIB research centers
- A competitive salary and full benefits
How to apply
Please submit your application using the online form (https://jobs.vib.be/apply/137660).
Your application should include:
- A motivation letter submitted through the designated form
- A scientific CV highlighting how your past experience and achievements are relevant to this position.
- Ideally, contact details for at least one referee
For further information please contact wouter.saelens@vib.be or recruiting@vib.be. Application deadline is October 30th.
VIB values diversity - in backgrounds and in experiences. The institute needs people from all backgrounds and ways of life to help build a thriving scientific environment. VIB is therefore looking for candidates who are not only strong in their own aptitudes but care deeply about supporting each other's growth. VIB's collaborators are people with different strengths, experiences and backgrounds, who share a passion for science that generates impact in science and in society. Diversity not only includes race and gender identity, but also nationality, age, disability status, sexual orientation, religion and many other parts of one’s identity. All of VIB’s employees’ points of view are key to its success, and inclusion is everyone's responsibility.
