PhD Positions 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 PhD candidates to start as soon as possible!

We are interested in students with a computer-science background who are eager to develop and study machine-learning and artificial-intelligence 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.

PhD at and Ghent University

The Kobak lab is based in Ghent and is affiliated with the Department of Mathematics Computer Science and Statistics of Ghent University. As a PhD student you will be part of the doctoral school of the university.

At the same time you will be part of the recently launched PhD program. aims to offer a unique PhD experience with access to state-of-the-art facilities expertise and training. PhD students will have access to specialized courses and hands-on training and will do rotations in several different labs and associated VIB labs.

Your profile

To be considered you must:

• Hold a MSc (or equivalent) degree in Computer Science Artificial Intelligence Applied Mathematics Physics Bioinformatics Bioengineering or a similar field.
• Have experience with modern machine learning (deep learning probabilistic modeling generative AI etc.) and Python.
• Ideally also have some experience with life-science applications e.g. in genomics or transcriptomics this is a plus but not a strict requirement.
• Have demonstrated academic excellence as for example reflected by graduation with distinction or through notable professional accomplishments.
• 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;
• scientific guidance at an internationally recognized level;
• training in academic technical and career skills;
• fully funded PhD scholarship with encouragement to apply for national PhD fellowships (e.g. FWO) and with support and guidance in such applications;
• 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);
• If possible please include in your motivation letter a link to a GitHub repository you are currently most proud of;
• Academic transcripts for both your BSc an MSc degrees (if these documents are currently unavailable please provide an explanation in your motivation letter);
• 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 .