The Laboratory of Causal Systems Immunology at VIB is currently seeking highly motivated PhD students and Postdoctoral researchers to join their team. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of experimental immunology and computational biology, focusing on advanced in vivo CRISPR screening technologies to uncover how genes shape immune-cell states.
Position Overview
| Designation | PhD Student / Postdoctoral Researcher |
| Organization | VIB (Flanders Institute for Biotechnology) |
| Research Area | Causal Systems Immunology, CRISPR Screening, Single-cell Genomics |
| Location | Ghent, Belgium |
| Application Deadline | October 30th |
Research Area
The research focuses on Causal Systems Immunology, combining causal inference, probabilistic AI, and large-scale in vivo perturbation experiments. The lab aims to predict how the immune system responds to interventions by integrating advanced machine learning with experimental immunology. Research is conducted within both the VIB Center for AI & Computational Biology and the VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research.
Eligibility/Qualification
- For PhD Applicants: A Master’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, bioinformatics, computational biology, biostatistics, or a related field.
- For Postdoctoral Applicants: A PhD in one of the fields mentioned above.
- Proven experience in either experimental biology (wet lab) or computational biology (dry lab).
- Fluency in written and spoken English.
- A strong interest in integrating both experimental and computational approaches.
Scholarship/Position Description
The successful candidates will help advance single-cell CRISPR technologies that enable dozens of molecular factors to be screened in vivo. The role can be tailored to an experimental, computational, or hybrid focus depending on the candidate’s profile. Key responsibilities include:
- Applying the screening pipeline from stem-cell engineering to data analysis.
- Developing improvements in single-cell methods and vector design.
- Analyzing perturbational data to identify causal regulators of immune-cell states.
- Presenting research at international conferences and publishing in scientific journals.
- Collaborating across two VIB research centers with access to state-of-the-art core facilities.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application through the official VIB online portal. Your application package must include:
- A motivation letter submitted via the designated online form.
- A scientific CV highlighting relevant experience and achievements.
- Contact details for at least one academic referee.
For further information, you may contact wouter.saelens@vib.be or recruiting@vib.be.
Last Date for Apply
The deadline for applications is October 30th.
Apply Link
Click here to apply for the PhD/Postdoc position at VIB
