The University of KU LEUVEN, Belgium has an exciting fully funded PhD position in Bioinformatics, Biomedical sciences, or related fields and looking for enthusiastic and motivated candidate to start a PhD trajectory in liquid biopsy method development for improved cancer detection. The successful candidate will be embedded within KULeuven Genomics Core facility which is the largest sequencing facility in Belgium.
Project Description:
The project has a strong focus on novel design and implementation of different IT tools and coordination of team members. As such, the candidate will integrate different large scale and omic data sources.
Focus: Liquid Biopsy Method Development for Improved Cancer Detection
The project in aims on developing novel methods for liquid biopsy analysis, specifically targeting cell-free DNA (cfDNA).
key aspects:
Research Area: Liquid biopsy method development
• Goal: Improved cancer detection
• Methodology: Analyzing cfDNA from blood samples
• Application: Monitoring tissue dynamics in various conditions, including cancer.
• IT Tools: You’ll be involved in designing and implementing innovative IT tools for liquid biopsy analysis.
Data Integration: The project emphasizes integrating large-scale and omic data sources.
Clinical Validation: You’ll contribute to building novel pipelines and conducting clinical validation studies.
Candidate profile:
Strong computational, programming and/or data analysis skills with an IT, BioIT or engineering background.
Experience with the development and validation of bioinformatic methods.
Knowledge of bioinformatic pipelines for the analysis of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and other -omics data
Knowledge in several of the following programming languages: Python, R, bash, Perl.
Knowledge of several NGS and deployment platform-related software packages and technologies
Knowledge of programming standards, unit tests, and software development tools such as Visual Studio Code.
Experience in workflow managers (e.g. Nextflow).
Experience in cloud-based systems is an asset, preferably GCP, and used container technologies (e.g. Docker).
You have a basic knowledge of SQL with which you can perform simple analyses in a big data environment.
Problem-solving attitude to work and critical analytical thinking.
A keen interest and motivation to work on ambitious projects in a dynamic, driven team.
Knowledge of genetics and epigenetics is an asset.
The ability to meet timelines and work accurately.
Application procedure:
Interested candidates should submit their applications through this online application portal
For further info, visit the official website: https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/jobs/60327749