Bioinformatics Technician for Multi-Omics Data Analysis

The Laboratory of Causal Systems Immunology combines large-scale in vivo perturbation experiments, advanced mouse models of immune diseases and causal learning to uncover how genes shape immune-cell states and predict how the immune system responds to interventions. This tight integration of experimental immunology with data-driven experiments allows us to tackle fundamental biological questions with direct biomedical relevance. We are embedded in both the VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, a leading center unravelling the cellular and molecular mechanisms of inflammatory diseases, and the VIB Center for AI & Computational Biology, a young, ambitious center whose research groups address biological questions through the lens of AI.

We have developed, and continue to advance, a set of untargeted and targeted spatial, single-cell, single-nucleus, and perturbational omics technologies. Our in vivo single-cell CRISPR technologies allow us to screen for dozens of molecular factors in vivo during development and disease. These technologies transform the speed, scale and resolution at which in vivo immune-cell pathways can be unraveled. By combining these approaches with single-nucleus ATAC-seq and spatial data, we are moving towards a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory mechanisms that shape liver cell states in health and disease, including metabolism, cancer, regeneration and development.

In this role, you will apply innovative computational approaches to analyze a broad range of single-cell and single-nucleus datasets, including RNA-seq, ATAC-seq and perturbational omics. You will also work with spatial transcriptomics data, using technologies such as MERFISH/MERSCOPE, Visium HD and ATERA. Depending on your interests and strengths, you can choose to focus more strongly on either single-cell and perturbational data analysis or spatial data analysis, while also gaining exposure to the broader range of technologies. If you have a particular interest or stronger experience in one of these areas, we would be very interested to hear about it.

Your work will involve developing, adapting and fine-tuning computational pipelines, often building on approaches developed within our lab or institute. You will work closely with both computational and experimental colleagues to analyze data in a detailed and scientifically sound manner, integrate and compare results across different data types and projects, and uncover biological patterns and insights. Strong collaboration and communication across the computational and experimental sides of the lab will be an important part of the role.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in bioinformatics, biomedicine, bioengineering, biotechnology or a related field.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Experience in Python and/or R.
• Experience with Linux and Bash.
• Experience with bulk, single-cell or single-nucleus RNA-sequencing data.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve data-analysis issues.
• Experience presenting computational results to colleagues from different scientific backgrounds.

Desirable, but not required

• Experience in imaging or spatial omics data analysis.
• Experience with machine learning.
• Basic understanding of immunology.

Key personal characteristics

• You are enthusiastic and curious about scientific research.
• You like learning new computational techniques and want to stay at the technological forefront.
• You work accurately and critically assess your analyses and their implementation.
• You work efficiently, are solution- and goal-oriented, and are able to set priorities.
• You are flexible and can adapt well to changing priorities.
• You can work well in a team and independently.
• You enjoy other cultures and are respectful of others and their different ideas and opinions.

• You are a mature and professional team member who communicates openly and respectfully, handles disagreements constructively, and contributes to a positive working environment.

• The ability to work on scientifically exceptional and high-impact research topics.

• A full- or part-time (80%) appointment as a bioinformatics technician at VIB/UGent, a highly ranked research institute with a competitive pay scale and benefits (health insurance, sports facilities).
• A stimulating and supportive international research environment (with English as the main language).
• State-of-the-art infrastructure.
• A varied work schedule, with significant autonomy over how you plan your day.
• Opportunities to progress in your work, taking on more technical and challenging tasks as you grow in your role.
• The position is available immediately; the starting date is negotiable.
• Various training opportunities to broaden your skills.
• This role is part of a 5-year project, with the possibility of extension depending on the availability of funds