Postdoc position: AI in plant regulatory genomics (ERC funded)

The VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology (PSB) is a world-leading plant science institute located at the heart of a renowned plant biotechnology campus in Ghent, Belgium. Its mission is to unravel plant biological processes and translate this knowledge into value for society. The Vandepoele lab (https://www.vandepoelelab.be/ ) is home to an enthusiastic, diverse and international group of researchers.

Ghent, the second largest city of Flanders, is a university city and cultural hub. Only half an hour away from Antwerp and Brussels by train, and centrally located in Europe, Ghent has a scenic yet cosy, well-preserved historical center and a lively multi-cultural atmosphere. Ghent and the greater region of Flanders is internationally-oriented and tech-minded with a strong biotechnology sector with spin-offs and start-ups, creating a natural home for researchers and their families. English is very widely spoken in the city and surrounding area.

We are looking for a postdoctoral computational biologist to decipher the genomic regulatory code controlling gene expression in plants.

Within the ERC-funded multiCODE project, we aim to unravel how plants control gene expression across different tissues and stress conditions by combining single-cell genomics, artificial intelligence, and synthetic biology. Apart from shedding light on the  fundamental aspects of transcriptional control, this project also opens new avenues for the design of climate-resilient crops.

• You will apply AI strategies to learn the regulatory syntax encoded by the Arabidopsis genome using single-cell transcript data as training data.
• You will unravel the cis-regulatory code controlling context-dependent gene expression and use this information to design synthetic promoters.
• You will train and evaluate predictive models in model/crop species with different levels of genome complexity.
• You will work very closely together with your dry-lab colleagues for data processing, training models, and the design of synthetic promoters driving context-specific expression.
• You will work very closely together with your wet-lab colleagues for the design and follow-up of experimental validations.

• PhD (or MSc with research experience) in AI, CS, Bio-engineering, or Bioinformatics.
• You have experience with applying AI technologies in (regulatory) genomics, as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications in international journals.
• Having good programming (Python) and Linux skills is a must
• Knowledge in plant biology or single-cell genomics is a plus
• You have good communication skills, are a team player, and are proficient in English

• We offer a 3-year postdoc position contract
• A multidisciplinary, highly stimulating and supporting international research environment at VIB and Ghent University (UGent).
• Access to state-of-the-art tools and infrastructure.
• Various training opportunities are organized at VIB to broaden your expertise and skills.
• Tentative start date: 1 November 2025

Submit your application through the VIB application tool. The call will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified.

Make sure that your application includes:

• A detailed CV (incl. information about IT/computational skills)
• A one-page letter of intent describing your motivation for this position, how your research experiences and interests are aligned with those of the lab and research topic and future goals
• The names and contact details of 3 referees.

For any questions on the vacancy, please contact klaas.vandepoele@psb.vib-ugent.be.