Head of Machine Learning Expertise Unit at VIB.AI

• Set up and lead a cross-cutting expertise unit providing advanced machine learning support to the 15 Computational Biology cores and affiliated research groups at VIB.AI.
• Develop and deploy machine learning solutions for complex biological, biomedical, and biotechnological problems.
• Provide expertise in modern ML methods, including deep learning, foundation models, multimodal data integration, generative AI, and simulation-based inference.
• Engage with VIB's AI Studio to translate research into industrial applications, enabling technology transfer, spin-offs, licensing, and patenting opportunities.
• Promote and safeguard ethical, transparent, and responsible use of AI across projects, ensuring alignment with best practices and international standards.
• Shape and implement the strategic vision of VIB.AI together with the VIB.AI leadership team, with the opportunity to expand the expertise unit into a dedicated team over time.

• PhD in machine learning, computer science, computational biology, statistics, or a related field.
• Demonstrated scientific excellence and leadership in machine learning research, with a strong publication track record in top-tier journals or conferences.
• Experience with real-world applications of AI, ideally in biology, biomedicine, or biotechnology.
• Broad knowledge of modern ML methods and their practical application.
• Ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in leadership or coordination of research activities is an advantage.

• A stimulating, international, interdisciplinary, collaborative, and supportive work environment, which emphasizes diversity and inclusion.
• An environment that promotes personal development.
• The opportunity to establish and grow a high-impact AI expertise unit at the forefront of life sciences.
• Direct access to VIB's Data Core services, which provide expert support in data management and high-performance computing, including optimized pipelines and large-scale GPU resources.
• A competitive salary and benefits package, with relocation support if needed.
• The chance to make a lasting impact on science, health, and society.

About VIB.AI

VIB is a leading life sciences research institute in Flanders, Belgium, with a strong focus on translating basic scientific discoveries into benefits for society. With the launch of VIB.AI, we are expanding our mission to harness the power of artificial intelligence for life sciences research, innovation, and impact., VIB's core mission is to generate disruptive insights in the molecular underpinning of life and to translate these actively into impactful innovations for patients and society. VIB is an independent research institute where some 1,800 top scientists from Belgium and abroad conduct pioneering basic research. As such, they are pushing the boundaries of what we know about molecular mechanisms and how they rule living organisms such as human beings, animals, plants, and microorganisms. Based on a close partnership with five Flemish universities - Ghent University, KU Leuven, University of Antwerp, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and Hasselt University - and supported by a solid funding program, VIB unites the expertise of all its collaborators and research groups in a single institute. VIB's technology transfer activities translate research results into concrete benefits for society such as new diagnostics and therapies and agricultural innovations. These applications are often developed by young start-ups from VIB or through collaborations with other companies. This also leads to additional employment and bridges the gap between scientific research and entrepreneurship. VIB also engages actively in the public debate on biotechnology by developing and disseminating a wide range of science-based information.