NGS Bioinformatics Expert – VIB Nucleomics Core

VIB (Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie) is a renowned life sciences research institute in Belgium committed to conducting groundbreaking research in life sciences and biotechnology with an excellent reputation in technology transfer. VIB Technologies constitutes the centralized scientific research infrastructure of the institute and allows scientists access to high-end and innovative technologies. VIB Technologies comprises multiple state-of-the-art core facilities each with a specific technology focus and embedded within the VIB centers in Ghent Leuven Antwerp or Brussels. The role of these core facilities is to support the 1900 researchers at VIB with their expertise. Within VIB Technologies we have over 120 staff members.

VIB Nucleomics Core based in Leuven provides access to cutting-edge technologies for next generation sequencing. Our user base consists of both VIB and non-VIB scientists throughout Europe. Key applications are gene expression analysis whole genome sequencing amplicon sequencing full-length 16/ITS sequencing shotgun metagenomics single-cell and spatial sequencing and more. Element Biosciences Illumina and PacBio are the main sequencing platforms that are being used to facilitate these types of experiments. Bioinformatics services are an integral part of our service package. To consolidate the excellent service panels and to adapt the facility to the quickly developing technological needs we are currently seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated bioinformatics colleague to join our divers and dynamic team of lab technicians and bioinformaticians.

Your Role

• You perform quality control on sequencing data generated in-house across a variety of sequencing platforms. When suboptimal data quality or output is detected you troubleshoot the issue and provide guidance to wet-lab colleagues on how to improve the run setup.
• You stay current with the latest sequencing technologies (Illumina PacBio Element Biosciences Oxford Nanopore Technologies) and actively explore the strengths limitations and potential pitfalls of each sequencing chemistry.
• You contribute to the improvement and maintenance of analysis pipelines essential for the cores daily operations and design new pipelines for sequencing data in collaboration with your colleagues.
• Together with fellow members of the bioinformatics team you develop and maintain Nucleomics web tools used by wet-lab colleagues. You also contribute to the automation challenges; a collaborative effort shared across the whole team.
• You take part in project intake meetings with internal and external life science researchers advising on experimental design. You independently perform data analysis deliver and interpret results and provide additional explanations when needed.
• You contribute to implementing an in-house Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) focusing on database and web interface development.
• As an NGS field expert you assist in teaching and training courses organized by the VIB Training and Conferences Team. You also proactively maintain your expertise by attending relevant online courses and training sessions.
• Your daily work involves close interaction with wet-lab colleagues and users requiring excellent interpersonal and communication skills. English is the working language.

Profile

• Minimum level: Master degree in bioinformatics / biostatistics / biology / biomedicine / genomics or equivalent through experience.
• Knowledge of molecular biology and experience with Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) data analysis is essential (e.g. transcriptomics genome assembly metagenomics …)
• Critical thinking is a key competency needed for this position
• Knowledge of open-source bioinformatics tools and resources used in NGS (e.g. Ensembl/NCBI/UCSC).
• Knowledge of pipelining tools such as Nextflow (preferred) or Snakemake
• Practical knowledge of R/Bioconductor and one scripting/programming language (Python or equivalent) is essential.
• Practical knowledge in using Linux servers is essential - Working knowledge of high-performance computing environments cloud computing database design and queries (SQL) web interface development (PHP Javascript) is a plus.
• Experience with LIMS development (REST API connectivity SQL web) is a plus
• Experience in sequencing core facilities operating a service model is a plus
• Knowledge of the FAIR data principles

We offer

• A full-time position with an open-ended contract
• Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and in-house training
• A challenging job in a stimulating collaborative environment with opportunities for personal development
• You will learn new techniques and tools
• You will have freedom to shape your work and shape your job
• Exposure to diverse projects and cutting-edge technologies
• A competitive salary and benefits including a hospitalization insurance pension plan eco-cheques bike allowance if you commute by bicycle or full reimbursement for public transport commuting
• A generous annual leave policy to create a good work-life balance
• Starting date: as soon as possible

How to apply

Please apply via the VIB online application tool and include:

• Short letter describing previous experience and your motivations to apply for this job
• Your CV
• Contact details of one reference

Interested candidates are invited to apply as soon as possible. Applications will be welcome until the position is filled.

Questions Please reach out to or contact Stefaan Derveaux head of the VIB Nucleomics Core ()