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PhD position: Decoding gene regulation in cancer: Leuven

The Center for Human Genetics at the University of Leuven is a vibrant and international research center where key issues relevant to major human health challenges are tackled. Within this center, a PhD position is available in the Laboratory of Computational Biology (Stein Aerts Lab, see www.aertslab.org).
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Project
We are seeking an ambitious candidate interested in the genomic regulatory code. Your research will focus on decoding epigenomic landscapes and gene regulatory networks operating during oncogenesis. You will use and develop computational algorithms for the prediction of transcriptional targets, cis-regulatory elements, and gene regulatory networks; and integrate these methods with genome variation data and with gene expression data (microarrays, RNA-Seq, single-cell RNA-seq) to predict genomic regulatory perturbations underlying oncogenesis. Depending on your interests and background, you will have the opportunity to perform single-cell transcriptomics experiments using droplet microfluidics and you can combine bioinformatics with wet-lab experiments. Finally, you can construct synthetic regulatory circuits to recapitulate basic regulatory functions in mammalian cells.

Profile
· We are seeking a highly motivated next-generation biologist that wants to be submerged into integrative genomics, using high-throughput technologies, genetics, genomics, single-cell technologies, and bioinformatics. The successful candidate should have a Masters degree in the Life Sciences, Engineering, Bioinformatics, or Computational Science and should have a substantial interest in genome-scale integrative approaches.
· Skills: Programming skills are a plus. Wet-lab and/or next-generation sequencing skills are also a plus (e.g., RNA-seq, ChIP-seq). Experience with microfluidics is a plus.

Offer
We offer the opportunity to start a PhD in an international center of excellence. The KU Leuven (University of Leuven) is located in the vibrant city of Leuven, a historic, dynamic and lively city located in the heart of Belgium and Europe.

Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Stein Aerts, tel.: +32 16 33 07 10, mail: stein.aerts@med.kuleuven.be.
Highly motivated candidates can apply through the online sollicitation tool. Please provide a motivation letter, names and contact information for three references, a publication list and CV.
You can apply for this job no later than December 15, 2015 via the
online application tool

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Job details

Employer:KU Leuven, The Center for Human Genetics

Website:http://gbiomed.kuleuven.be/en...

Location:O&N IV Herestraat 49 bus 602, Leuven

Expires:December 15, 2015

Job type:PhD Studentship

Salary:Unspecified

Qualifications:Postgraduate - Master's degree

Employment type:Contract

Job hours:Full-time