PhD candidate in bioinformatics

6 Jan 2026
Job Information

Organisation/Company

KU LEUVEN

Department

Oncology

Research Field

Medical sciences » Medicine

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Belgium

Application Deadline

23 Jan 2026 - 23:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Offer Starting Date

6 Apr 2026

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme

Reference Number

BAP-2025-747

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

The team is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate in bioinformatics to join this multidisciplinary clinical and translational research team focused on advanced multi-omics-based trials in colorectal cancer. The successful candidate will support the analyses of single-cell and spatial transcriptomics datasets generated from the team’s ongoing and upcoming industry- and investigator-led clinical trials, with the goal of uncovering mechanisms of treatment resistance. The candidate will be part of a highly interconnected international network of academic and industry partners. The candidate will have full access to cutting-edge computational frameworks, cloud infrastructures, and state-of-the-art single-cell and spatial technologies through these collaborations. You will be embedded in a vibrant environment that values innovation, teamwork, and scientific rigor, with direct impact on ongoing clinical trials.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform end-to-end analysis of single-cell RNA-seq, multiome, and spatial transcriptomics datasets from patient samples.
• Integrate multi-modal genomic, clinical, and pathological data to generate biologically meaningful insights.
• Work closely with clinicians, wet-lab scientists, pathologists, and immunologists to define and prioritize mechanisms of treatment resistance.
• Collaborate with international bioinformatics teams and technology partners to apply the latest analytical pipelines and emerging computational tools.
• Contribute to scientific publicationsContribute to scientific publications and presentations at international conferences.

 

• Master’s degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Systems Biology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Prior experience with single-cell and/or spatial transcriptomics analysis (e.g., Seurat, Scanpy, Squidpy, Cell Ranger, Space Ranger) is highly desirable but not strictly required—strong interest and willingness to learn are essential.
• Solid programming skills in Python and/or R; experience with reproducible workflows (Git, Snakemake/Nextflow, containers) is a plus.
• Interest in cancer biology, tumor microenvironment biology, or immuno-oncology is an asset.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team.
• Strong communication skills and good organization.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English is required.

• A 1-year PhD contract, renewable based on performance and following KU Leuven doctoral regulations.
• Integration into a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative environment of clinicians, oncologists, computational scientists, molecular biologists, and international partners.
• Access to advanced single-cell and spatial transcriptomics technologies and cutting-edge computational infrastructure.
• The opportunity to contribute to translational research directly linked to clinical trials, with high scientific and clinical impact.
• A supportive and dynamic workplace that values curiosity, initiative, and scientific excellence.

Candidates need to submit the following documents in pdf format using the KU Leuven application tool:

 

• Motivation letter
• Curriculum Vitae

 

For more information contact Dr Sara Verbandt (sara.verbandt@kuleuven.be ) or Prof Sabine Tejpar (sabine.tejpar@uzleuven.be )

Where to apply

Website

https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/jobs/60599631?hl=en

Requirements

Research Field

Computer science

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Biological sciences

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Research Field

Medical sciences » Medicine

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Additional Information
Benefits

• A 1-year PhD contract, renewable based on performance and following KU Leuven doctoral regulations.
• Integration into a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative environment of clinicians, oncologists, computational scientists, molecular biologists, and international partners.
• Access to advanced single-cell and spatial transcriptomics technologies and cutting-edge computational infrastructure.
• The opportunity to contribute to translational research directly linked to clinical trials, with high scientific and clinical impact.
• A supportive and dynamic workplace that values curiosity, initiative, and scientific excellence.

Eligibility criteria

• Master’s degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Systems Biology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Prior experience with single-cell and/or spatial transcriptomics analysis (e.g., Seurat, Scanpy, Squidpy, Cell Ranger, Space Ranger) is highly desirable but not strictly required—strong interest and willingness to learn are essential.
• Solid programming skills in Python and/or R; experience with reproducible workflows (Git, Snakemake/Nextflow, containers) is a plus.
• Interest in cancer biology, tumor microenvironment biology, or immuno-oncology is an asset.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team.
• Strong communication skills and good organization.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English is required.

Selection process

Candidates need to submit the following documents in pdf format using the KU Leuven application tool:

 

• Motivation letter
• Curriculum Vitae

 

For more information contact Dr Sara Verbandt (sara.verbandt@kuleuven.be ) or Prof Sabine Tejpar (sabine.tejpar@uzleuven.be )

Website for additional job details

https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/jobs/60599631?hl=en

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

KU LEUVEN

Country

Belgium

City

Leuven

Geofield

Contact

City

Leuven

STATUS: EXPIRED

• X (formerly Twitter)
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Whatsapp
• 
  More share options
  • E-mail
  • Pocket
  • Viadeo
  • Gmail
  • Weibo
  • Blogger
  • Qzone
  • YahooMail