BACKGROUND:
The University of Leuven, Belgium is recruiting a

Professor Bioinformatics / Computational Biology (m/f)

26/2001 Academic position Research professor in Computational Biology (BOFZAP) KU Leuven invites applications for a full-time tenured or full-time tenure-track professorship in Computational Biology at the Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems. We are looking for a dynamic and motivated individual (m/f) with an excellent research record in interdisciplinary research in the area of computational biology (bioinformatics, in silico "omics" analyses and/or modelling of biological phenomena).

This position is primarily research-oriented and the assignment consists mainly of scientific research of high international level. Applicants must be prepared to undertake limited teaching courses in areas of computational biology and bioinformatics. The successful applicant will receive a fulltime appointment as professor (tenure-track or tenured), an attractive salary and benefits package, plus startup funding to help her/him to establish an independent research team.

The University of Leuven is one of the oldest and most renowned universities, and consistently ranks as a top institute in various rankings.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Research:
The candidate is expected to develop a fundamental, interdisciplinary and internationally oriented research program in computational biology, with a scientific output that adheres to the highest international standards.

The ideal candidate has general knowledge in bioinformatics/datamining and/or constructing physically motivated models of biological phenomena. Such a person will in collaboration with the molecular biologists at the Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics (CMPG) build an independent research line with potential applications in genetics, genomics, evolutionary biology, synthetic biology and/or systems biology.

A successful candidate will support and further expand national and international research collaborations of the department. The candidate is expected to closely collaborate with the PIs in molecular biology and evolutionary biology already in place at the Center of Microbial and Plant Genetics and the Department. She/he is particularly expected to offer and develop a complementary expertise, leading to joint research proposals and synergies with the other academic staff members of the Center of Microbial and Plant Genetics and the Department at large. A vision on potential interactions with other Centres at the Department (Centre for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis, Centre for Food and Microbial Technology) is expected as well.

Teaching:
Accepted applicants will take on teaching responsibilities in the ongoing programs in computational biology (Master bio-science engineering: cell- and gene technology and Master of Bioinformatics) and/or in other Master programs with a focus on the use of physically motivated models in molecular biology. They are expected to meet the reigning KU Leuven standards regarding academic program level and orientation and to adhere to the KU Leuven's concept of education. A commitment to quality of education as a whole is naturally understood.

Services:
We expect an enthusiastic effort in the various committees and working parties in the Department M2S and in the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering.

REQUIREMENTS:
Interested candidates should hold a Ph.D. or doctoral degree in Bioscience Engineering, Engineering, Sciences, or any other field that prepares equally well for the research program.

Qualified candidates are expected to have an excellent research record and very good teaching and training skills, in order to contribute to the research output of the department and to the quality of its educational program. The high quality of the candidate's research should be evidenced by publications in international peer-reviewed journals. International research experience is highly appreciated.

At KU Leuven the main language of instruction is Dutch. Successful applicants who are not proficient in Dutch, will be provided language training in order to be able to also instruct in the Dutch language within three years time.

Near-native proficiency in the English language is expected of all applicants.

The KU Leuven pursues a policy of equal opportunity and diversity.

HOW TO APPLY:
Formal applications are only accepted through an online system. For more information, see: https://www.kuleuven.be/gedocumenteerd/e/s/oproep/35505.html#aanvraag

Contact person: Prof. Kevin Verstrepen, Kevin.Verstrepen[at]biw.vib-kuleuven.be
Should you encounter any problems with the electronic registration, please contact Christelle Maeyaert, Christelle.maeyaert[at]doc.kuleuven.be tel.: +32 (0)16 324 194