FWO-UGent funded bioinformatics postdocs: Unveiling the significance of gene loss in plant evolution

Job title:

FWO-UGent funded bioinformatics postdocs: Unveiling the significance of gene loss in plant evolution

Company:

VIB

Job description

Job description
We are seeking two highly motivated postdoctoral researchers to join our research team based in the Van de Peer lab, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Zhen Li, Assistant Professor at Ghent University/VIB Staff Scientist.
The two positions are funded through an FWO research grant awarded to Prof. Dr. Zhen Li and will focus on the evolutionary significance of gene loss in shaping plant adaptation, speciation, and biological innovations.
This project aims to redefine our understanding of gene loss alongside gene gain in plant evolution, focusing on developing novel genomic approaches to analyze gene loss across diverse plant lineages and their evolutionary consequences. To this end, the initial focus will be developing a novel genomic approach integrating homolog identification and multiple genome alignment to identify gene loss in plants and investigating its links with species divergence and adaptive traits in various plant clades, e.g., Orchidaceae, Poaceae, Solanaceae, Brassicaceae, and Fagales.Research Focus
While the two positions will work closely together and share many responsibilities, they have slightly different initial focus areas:
Position 1: Computational Genomics and Method Development
Develop novel genomic frameworks for detecting gene loss in plant genomesImplement approaches to distinguish DNA deletion from pseudogenizationAnalysis of gene loss patterns across diverse plant lineagesExplore graph-based algorithms for multiple genome alignment and ancestral karyotype reconstructionPosition 2: Evolutionary Analysis and Network Biology
Analysis of cross-species/-ecotype co-expression and gene regulatory networksStudy of molecular mechanisms underlying how gene loss affects biological network rewiringIntegration of phenotypic data with omics analysisExplore machine learning and network analysis methodsProfile
Essential
A PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Evolutionary Biology, or related fieldsStrong programming skills in Python, R, and experience with Linux environmentsDemonstrated experience in processing and analyzing large-scale genomic and transcriptomic datasetsStrong publication track record in evolutionary biology and/or network biologyExcellent communication skills and fluency in English (written and verbal)Willingness to learn new methods and tackle scientific challenges with creativity and rigorA good balance between working in a team and working independentlyYou are an enthused team player who is open and respectful to other cultures, opinions and ways of life
Desirable but not required

Experience with machine learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, Tensorflow, Keras)Experience with graph algorithms and network analysisExperience with explainable AI (e.g., SHAP)Experience with high-performance computing and software containersExperience with software development tools (e.g., git, Nextflow) We offer
The VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology is a world-leading science institution in Ghent, Belgium. Ghent University is among the top 100 global universities according to several international rankings.
A fully funded, full-time postdoctoral position for one year (with possibility of a two-year extension after positive evaluation) in a stimulating and supportive international research environmentAccess to state-of-the-art tools and computational infrastructure, including CPU/GPU clustersOpportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in plant evolution and genomicsSupport for attending international conference and developing professional networksComprehensive training in academic, technical, and career skills through VIB and Ghent UniversityThe position appointment start date is as soon as possible. How to apply?
Motivated candidates are asked to apply online via the VIB application procedure.
A complete application file (English) should contain the following documents:
A cover/motivation letter (max. 2 pages) stating career goals, experience, and how these relate to your preferred position 1 and/or 2A detailed CV, including a list of your scientific publicationsContact information of at least two academic references
For more information or inquiries about the position, mail to zhen.li@psb.vib-ugent.be

Expected salary

Location

Gand, Flandre-Orientale

Job date

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 23:57:54 GMT

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