Professor in Applied Artificial Intelligence in (Bio)medical Research

PLEASE APPLY VIA: UGENT WEBSITE ONLY

Deadline to apply: 31 May 2026

About the role

The VIB Center for AI & Computational Biology () is searching for a Principal Investigator to join their faculty (Group Leader at VIB Professor Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Ghent University in tenure track). We are particularly interested in recruiting faculty members who develop innovative machine learning methods to address fundamental questions in (bio)medical research.

Examples of research topics include but are not limited to: multi-scale AI models virtual cell models and digital twin models related to cellular tissue or human disease; development of new AI architectures for (bio)medical research and hybrid models that combine deep learning with mechanistic models; foundation models of genome regulation using single-cell and spatial multi-omics data; AI-based modeling of protein structure and protein interaction networks; computational modeling of cell morphology tissue organization and organ function using biomedical imaging and computer vision techniques;

Biomedical and medical application areas are broad and may include but are not limited to oncology immunology human infectious disease biology rare diseases and other domains of research within human health sciences. We also welcome candidates with applied and translational research profiles including work in synthetic biology AI-guided experimental design and automation (experiment-in-the-loop) biomedical engineering and the development of clinically relevant AI tools.

This position comes with full salary and core funding (internationally competitive package) that is renewable for multiple additional 5-year periods and access to state-of-the-art research and top-notch support core facilities as well as support to attract talented PhD students and postdocs from across the world. This position is linked with a professor position in tenure track at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Ghent University.

About the assignment

• Research. As a VIB Group Leader and Professor at Ghent university you will be expected to (continue to) build your research program with your own independent research group and to set up or consolidate a strong network with other researchers within VIB Ghent University and beyond. You strive for excellence in your research and thereby contribute to the scientific development of the new center.
• Teaching. The candidate will be appointed at Ghent University and will take up teaching assignments (in English or in Dutch). You will ensure high-quality education with a clear commitment to the quality of the program as a whole. You will also contribute to the pedagogic project of UGent through the supervision of MSc theses and as a promoter of PhD students.
• Service. You provide scientific societal and internal services that contribute to the reputation of the entire VIB and university.

Your profile

• PhD in machine learning or a related quantitative field (Computer Science Artificial Intelligence Statistics Mathematics Physics Computational Biology/Chemistry).
• Candidates will be considered at junior levels assumingrelevant experience in foundational machine learning research and/or applied machine learning in an academic and/or industrial setting (post-doctoral).
• Excellent machine learning and programming experience.
• Published impactful research demonstrates creativity originality and addresses relevant problems in (bio)medical sciences & computational research.
• Demonstrated ability to acquire competitive funding.
• Experience translating research outcomes into practical or commercial biomedical applications (technology transfer/valorization) is a plus.
• Interdisciplinary mindset and keen on collaborating broadly in the center the department and the university.
• Experience in guiding postdoctoral researchers PhD interns and full-time scientists.
• International working experience.
• You have a thorough knowledge of spoken and written English.
• The official administrative language at Ghent University is Dutch. If you do not speak Dutch or are not proficient at the beginning of your employment VIB and UGent will offer language training. You are required to achieve a CEFR-level of B2 in Dutch within five years of starting your appointment.

Our offer

• Substantial core research funding that is renewable every 5 years.
• An attractive employment package including 100% of your salary and excellent health benefits.
• Access to a vibrant academic environment that encourages collaboration with top experts in biology especially within the field of computational biology at VIB and universities.
• Access to collaborative networks involving researchers and clinicians such as CRIG (Cancer Research Institute Ghent: (Health Intelligence Network Gent: and the UZGent Biobank for patient material ( to computing cluster infrastructure at the VIB Data Core and Flemish Supercomputer Center.
• Access to excellent and staffed core facilities at the Center at VIB and Ghent University (including sequencing proteomics single-cell microscopy data core and many more).
• You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities to carry out experimental work supported by a dedicated shared wet lab manager.
• Broad administrative support including help recruiting technicians PhD students and postdoc scientists for your group.
• Access to a dedicated business development team specialized in technology transfer and valorization.
• Professional leadership training.
• An internationally recognized workplace that values diversity promotes an inclusive environment.
• Help with relocation and establishing a life in Belgium including visa application (if necessary) and finding housing schooling and daycare.
• The successful candidate should also be selected for Professor at Ghent University.

How to apply

IMPORTANT: Apply online through the UGent e-recruitment system before May 31st ( applications via the UGent platform will be taken into consideration.

Your application must include the following documents:

• In the field Application form: the application form any attachments merged into one pdf file. Additional documents may be requested from shortlisted candidates.
• A 2-4 page statement of your research plan including your vision for and Department of Biomolecular Medicine (as attachment).
• The contact details of 3 referees (as attachment).
• In the field Diploma: a transcript of your doctoral degree. If you have a foreign diploma in a language other than our national languages (Dutch French or German) or English please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages.
• In the field Certificate of equivalence: only for diplomas awarded outside the European Union: certificate of equivalence (NARIC) (if already in you possession). For diplomas awarded in the UK before January 31st of 2020 a certificate of equivalence is not required.

Note that the maximum file size for each field is 10 MB.

Admission requirements

• You hold a thesis-based doctorate or a diploma or certificate that is recognized as equivalent in the field of machine learning or a related quantitative field (Computer Science Artificial Intelligence Statistics Mathematics Physics Computational Biology/Chemistry).
• You have at least two years of postdoctoral experience on 1 February 2027. This term of two years is determined by the date mentioned on the required diploma.
• Your application meets the formal requirements (submitted on time complete: with a completed application form and a copy of the diploma delivered via e-recruitment).

Selection Procedure

The selection committee will carry out an initial substantive screening of the admissible applications on the file. This assessment takes into consideration both the candidates merits and potential. A short online selection interview will be conducted to support the shortlisting process. If necessary further details regarding the candidates academic background and area of expertise may be requested at any stage of the selection process.
VIB and Ghent University emphasize the qualitative assessment of academic performance. Therefore candidates are asked in the application form to mention their most important academic or non-academic achievements with the most impact.
For shortlisted candidates the following steps in the selection procedure shall consist of at least:

• a selection interview in which the vision and planning regarding education research and institutional and societal engagement as well as the embedding in the bigger picture are discussed.
• a trial lesson on a subject in the relevant field
• a screening of leadership and interpersonal skills
• a vision and ambition document

The start date is from 1 February 2027.

Questions

For further information regarding this vacancy please contact Prof. Stein Aerts () scientific director of or Prof. Bert Callewaert () head of the UGent department Biomolecular Medicine the at the faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

PLEASE APPLY VIA: UGENT WEBSITE ONLY