BACKGROUND

This 3 year project is collaboration between 4 university labs located in Brussels: COMO, IRIDIA, IRIBHM and SWITCH. The former 2 are machine learning labs and latter 2 are bioinformatics labs. Each lab will allocate 2 full-time researchers to this project.

The first goal of the project is to develop computational methods for the evaluation and prediction of cancer aggressiveness based on microarray data.

The second goal of the project is to develop a cancer susceptibility test for radiation based on genomic and proteomic data.

The contribution of COMO (como.vub.ac.be/newsite) will be to develop datamining techniques based on kernel methods and possibly Bayesian methods

RESPONSIBILITIES

The research will involve applying existing state-of-the-art statistical machine learning techniques to the bioinformatics problems above and developing new ones. These will be integrated into a toolbox that will be co-developed with IRIDIA. The focus will be on kernel methods although Bayesian methods might also be used. We intend to informally collaborate with a top level kernel methods & bioinformatics lab (details available upon request).

The candidate should be able to lead this research and mentor a PhD candidate. The candidate will also be involved with writing progress reports and meetings with the other 3 labs. There is also the possibility of setting up a spin-off company at the end of this project.

REQUIREMENTS

The candidate should have a Ph.D. in statistical machine learning, preferably in kernel methods. Experience with bioinformatics applications, especially microarray data would be a big plus. Also experience in (kernel) data fusion and feature selection techniques would be an asset.

LOCALE

Brussels, Belgium

COMPENSATION

The net salary is about 2000 Euro/month depending on relevant previous working experience and family situation. Pension & health insurance is included.

HOW TO APPLY

Candidates should send their CV with a list of the most relevant publications via email to prof. Ann Nowé: ann.nowe[at]vub.ac.be. An extensive project description is available upon request.

DEADLINE

The project start date is 1 October 2007. However, candidates can start later (until end of December 2007) depending on availability. The position is open until filled.

The minimum duration is 2 years with a possibility for a third year and more (depending on extra funding).