Postdoctoral Researcher in Computational Hemato-Oncology (Diagnostische Wetenschappen)
Ghent University, a leading institution in Belgium, is offering a postdoctoral position in computational hemato-oncology within the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Diagnostische Wetenschappen. The successful candidate will join the Unit for Translational Research in Oncology (UTRIO), led by Prof. Steven Goossens, which specializes in basic and translational research to develop targeted therapies for hematological malignancies such as lymphomas and leukemias. The lab is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for molecular, cellular, and in vivo work, including high-end imaging, flow cytometry, proteomics, RNA sequencing, and single-cell analysis platforms.
The postdoctoral researcher will conduct computational research at the interface of normal lymphoid differentiation and leukemic transformation. Using advanced bioinformatics tools, the focus will be on investigating transcription factor complexes in T-cell and B-cell development and their deregulation during oncogenic transformation, particularly in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The role requires proficiency in programming languages such as R and Python, and the ability to develop robust pipelines for multi-omics data analysis (RNA-seq, CITE-seq, ATAC-seq, CUT&RUN). The candidate will mine large public datasets, integrate gene expression, genomics, and clinical data, and collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of cancer researchers. Responsibilities include adapting and optimizing analysis pipelines, generating publication-quality figures, and co-authoring manuscripts. The researcher will also help supervise Master and PhD students and contribute to a positive team environment.
Applicants must hold a thesis-based doctorate in Life Sciences (obtained within the last 6 years) and demonstrate excellent English communication skills through prior publications and presentations. Mandatory qualifications include experience in cancer research (preferably leukemia or lymphoma), programming in R and Python, bioinformatic analysis of large datasets, data mining of cancer-related databases, and running containerized pipelines in high-performance computing environments. Preferred skills include familiarity with proteomics, RNA-seq, epigenetics techniques, figure design software, and knowledge of T-ALL and MCL biology. Motivation to apply for future postdoc grants and project management skills are also valued.
The position offers a 10-month contract starting as early as March 1, 2026, with remuneration according to salary scale PD1. Benefits include access to training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave, bicycle allowance, eco vouchers, and a supportive research environment. The postdoc will be embedded within the Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG) and collaborate with international teams. Career development and coaching are available through the Ghent University postdoc community.
To apply, candidates must submit their application online via the Ghent University e-recruitment system before February 15, 2026. Required documents include a CV, cover letter (PDF), diploma transcript, and at least one reference letter. Links to the PhD dissertation and/or published research papers (e.g., ORCID, Google Scholar) should be provided. Applications sent by email will not be accepted. For further information, contact Prof. Steven Goossens or Dr. Tim Pieters by email. Ghent University encourages applications from all backgrounds as part of its equal opportunities and diversity policy.
