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Ghent University, Belgium, invites applications for a full time tenure track position dedicated to research in Computational Biology and Statistical Genomics. The position, funded by the Special Research Fund (BOF), is  one of five tenure track positions in Bioinformatics launched as part of the Multidisciplinary Research Partnership in Bioinformatics `From Nucleotides to Networks' (N2N: http://www.nucleotides2networks.be/). This interdisciplinary field joins the expertise of scientists with different backgrounds to solve problems in (molecular) biology through computational means. Ghent University has identified it as one of its five areas of excellence.


We seek an upcoming research leader with an outstanding scientific record situated in the broad domain of Computational Biology generally and with specific interest in Statistical Genomics. The ideal candidate is motivated to play a major role in the high profile Multidisciplinary Research Partnership in Bioinformatics. Her or she will engage in research related to one or more work packages identified by the partnership (www.nucleotides2networks.be): to 1) build streamlined pipelines to deal with increasingly large numbers of heterogeneous data, 2) integrate these data for further downstream analyses, 3) develop novel tools and approaches for systems biology (inferring and modeling biological networks), and 4) apply these tools and approaches to Sustainable Agriculture and Successful Aging.

The successful candidate will be hosted within the Statistics research group at the Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science and is expected to collaborate closely with colleagues from the Bioinformatics research groups of Ghent University and the Flemish Institute of Biotechnology. The Statistics research group is internationally recognized, primarily for its research on causal inference and robust statistics.  It builds on this expertise to develop targeted applied research for innovation in the private and public sector through the consortium Stat-Gent CRESCENDO (www.statgent.be)  The primary focus there is on life sciences, the analysis of electronic health records and genetics data.  Bioinformatics groups at Ghent University are world-renowned for their expertise in genomics and proteomics, applied to areas of research that have to do with successful aging and sustainable agriculture.

This position will initially be a five-year temporary appointment in a Tenure Track system dedicated to research, with a limited teaching load. The appointment will be made in the starting rank of assistant professor. Upon positive evaluation by the university board, the position will lead to a permanent position starting at the level of associate professor.

 Profile: the candidate should:


- meet the degree requirements (PhD based on a doctoral thesis or equivalent recognized diploma), indicated in Article 83 of the Decree of 12 July 1991 concerning universities within the Flemish Community; the PhD or equivalent should have been obtained after 1 October 2005, but no later than 1 October 2010;

- hold a PhD with a doctoral thesis in sciences with a strong quantitative statistical component, by preference in Physical Sciences, including Statistics and Mathematics, Life Sciences, Bioscience engineering, or a degree recognized as equivalent;

- have carried out outstanding scientific research in Computational Biology and/or Statistical Genomics, that is proven by research  output of a high level in peer-reviewed international publications (journals and/or books).  A growing proficiency in statistical genomics is expected;

- show a keen interest in the development and  application of advanced statistical techniques in genetics;

- have strong didactic, communicative and organizational skills;

- experience in leading research projects and/or coaching PhD students is an asset;

- international academic experience is an asset.

The governing language at Ghent University is Dutch. However, research is primarily conducted in English. Persons who do not speak Dutch as a native language are very welcome to apply and are expected to acquire a working knowledge of the language.

Method of application

Applications must be sent in duplicate by registered mail to the Vice-Chancellor of Ghent University, Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 25, 9000 Ghent, using the necessary application form, together with proof of suitability (e.g., copies of the applicant’s diplomas);

After pre-selection, candidates will be asked to submit a research project plan which fits into the research objectives of the Multidisciplinary Research Partnership. A brief description will be made available;

The deadline is 1 March 2012. The date of posting is accepted as the date of receipt.

Further information concerning these vacancies can be requested by contacting Stijn Vansteelandt ([log in to unmask]) or Els Goetghebeur ([log in to unmask]).

The required application form is available on the internet: http://www.ugent.be/nl/werken/aanwerving/formulieren/zap/formulier.doc/view.

It can also be requested from Ghent University, F.A.O. Department of Personnel and Organization, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 25, 9000 Ghent, or requested via telephone on +32 (0)9 264 95 48 or +32 (9) 264 31 28.
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