Postdoc Position in Evolutionary and Comparative Genomics : Ghent, Belgium

Basic research in life sciences is VIB’s raison d’être. On the one hand, we 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. On the other, we are creating tangible results for the benefit of society.

Based on a close partnership with four Flemish universities – Ghent University, KU Leuven, University of Antwerp and Vrije Universiteit Brussel – and supported by a solid funding program, VIB unites the expertise of 74 research groups in a single institute.

VIB's technology transfer activities translate research results into new economic ventures which, in time, lead to new products that can be used in medicine, agriculture and other applications.

VIB also engages actively in the public debate on biotechnology by developing and disseminating a wide range of science-based information about all aspects of biotechnology.
More information: www.vib.be

Description

A two year postdoctoral position is available in the Van de Peer lab in the Department of Plant Systems Biology (VIB), Bioinformatics Institute Ghent N2N (BIG N2N), Ghent University, starting August 1st 2016.

Our research group is considered a center of excellence in gene prediction and genome annotation, and comparative and evolutionary genomics. We are currently looking for someone to strengthen our genome annotation and genome analysis team, in particular someone to work on the comparative analysis of mites, of which many are important pests for plants. Amongst other things, we want to unravel the genetic/genomic cause for specific adaptations linked to lifestyle and herbivory. You will also be involved in the study of gene and genome duplications, another major interest of the research group.

Working environment

The successful candidate will work in the Department of Plant Systems Biology (VIB) at Ghent University. VIB and BIG N2N offer a supportive and stimulating environment, with access to excellent computer and academic facilities. The Van de Peer lab is a computational group and consists of a mix of molecular and evolutionary biologists and computer scientists. More information on our research and research topics can be found at http://bioinformatics.psb.ugent.be/.

Profile

• ​ The ideal candidate holds a PhD degree in a relevant field (or equivalent through experience), is highly interested, ambitious, curiosity-driven and likes interdisciplinary work. 
• He/she will need to interact productively with evolutionary biologists, genome biologists and computer scientists.
• Further requirements include a strong bioinformatics background and deep interest in evolutionary and comparative biology.
• Programming/scripting experience (e.g., Perl, Python, R, …) and experience working in a Linux environment are essential.
• The project will make extensive use of RNA-seq and genomic data sets (using data from Illumina and PacBio platforms).  Therefore, a background in genomic, transcriptomic and/or epigenetic research and experience in evolutionary and/or comparative genomics would be ideal.
• Since English is the working language of the laboratory and the institute, excellent English communication skills are imperative.

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