Ph.D. in structural bioinformatics

Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Inter-university Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels
Belgium Brussels
ibsquare.be

Description

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is seeking candidates for a Ph.D. position in structural bioinformatics at the (IB)2 Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels (ibsquare.be). The (IB)2 is an interfaculty and interuniversity institute that brings together bioinformatics expertise at the VUB and Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), the two main universities in Europe’s capital. The focus of the (IB)2 is on interdisciplinary research in a collaborative and open atmosphere, with expertise in machine learning, big data, rare diseases, oligenic disorders, network analysis, genome analysis, metagenomics and structural bioinformatics.

Over the last years, we have developed a range of methods and databases on the biophysical behaviour of proteins and their relation to human health, such as DynaMine (dynamine.ibsquare.be/), DEOGEN2 (deogen2.mutaframe.com/) and Start2Fold (start2fold.eu/). In this Ph.D. project, you will further develop a novel approach from our group, where amino acids are represented by a multi-dimensional feature vector that depends on their local sequence context. The work involves exploring the application of this framework to the prediction of overall protein characteristics (e.g. secretability, interactions). As part of the project, you will also help integrate current online resources, especially in relation to the European ELIXIR project (www.elixir-europe.org/), which will provide additional research opportunities through the cross-linking of available data.

The position has an initial duration of 1 year, starting as soon as possible.


Qualifications

- A Masters’ degree in Computer Sciences, Bioinformatics, or a related field.
- Experience in machine learning and Python programming.
- Excellent communication skills in English: within the context of this project you will be interfacing with scientists of different backgrounds.
- Skills in creating web resources, including services (REST API), is a bonus.


Start date

As soon as possible

How to Apply

Please send your application, as well as any questions you might have, to Prof. Wim Vranken (wim.vranken@vub.be, see we.vub.ac.be/en/wim-vranken for more information). Valid applications contain: 1) a cover letter detailing your background and interest in this position, 2) a full CV and 3) at least two references (with name, email, address, phone number). Applications will be considered until a suitable candidate is found.


Contact

Wim Vranken
wim.vranken@vub.be