Postdoc Position in Machine Learning and AI for Biology at Kobak Lab

Deadline to apply: June 7 2026

About us

VIB (Flanders Institute for Biotechnology) is an entrepreneurial non-profit research institute with a focus on groundbreaking basic research in life sciences consisting of several separate centers. VIB operates in close partnership with several universities in Flanders including KU Leuven and Ghent University.

was established in 2023 as the 9th VIB center with the core mission to study fundamental problems in biology by combining machine learning with in-depth knowledge of biological processes. has labs both in Ghent and in Leuven. We aim to work towards foundation models and integrative theories of biological systems and towards innovative AI-driven biotech applications in synthetic biology agro-tech and personalized medicine. AI-driven research at starts from biological questions and challenges that are addressed using state-of-the-art and novel computational and AI strategies through close interactions and iterations with biological experiments and research labs within and across VIB. Additionally we are committed to fostering computational and AI research excellence across all VIB Centers amplifying collaboration and pushing the boundaries of innovation in all of VIBs research domains (plant biology cancer biology structural biology medical biotechnology neuroscience immunology and microbiology).

About the lab

The newly opened Kobak lab at the VIB Center for AI & Computational Biology () is looking for a postdoc to start as soon as possible!

We are based in Ghent and are affiliated with the Department of Mathematics Computer Science and Statistics of the Ghent University.

We are looking for researchers with strong background in machine learning who are eager to develop and study ML and AI approaches to model and explore fundamental questions in biology. Our lab is interested in self-supervised learning low-dimensional embeddings and interpretability of biological foundation models. Please find more details about our research at the lab webpage linked above.

Your profile

To be considered for this position you must:

• Hold a PhD in Computer Science Artificial Intelligence Bioinformatics or a similar field.
• Have strong experience with modern machine learning (deep learning probabilistic modeling generative AI etc.) and be proficient in Python.
• Have experience with life-science applications ideally in genomics or transcriptomics.
• Have excellent oral and written command of English.
• Be driven by trying to understand how things work.

We recognize that talent comes in many forms. If your background differs from the traditional path but you believe you bring unique insights or experiences we encourage you to apply.

Our offer

• a stimulating international interdisciplinary collaborative diverse and supportive work environment;
• state-of-the-art computational facilities and GPU infrastructure;
• fully funded position for at least 3 years with encouragement to apply for fellowships;
• a chance to participate in building the center and in setting up a brand-new lab;
• nice colleagues!

How to apply

Please submit your application through our online application platform ( You will need to include:

• Your CV.
• A motivation letter (maximum 1 page). Please include a link to a GitHub repository you are currently most proud of. Please also highlight one of your papers that would be most relevant for your future postdoc.
• Contact details of two to three referees who will be contacted for a recommendation in case you are shortlisted.

Note that obviously LLM-generated motivation letters may be discarded.

Deadline: June 7 2026

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed via Zoom by the PI. Selected candidates will be invited for an on-site visit to Ghent as soon as possible.

For questions please contact Dmitry Kobak at .