Wesley De Neve

Ghent University Global Campus in South Korea is offering a full-time PhD Research & Teaching Assistant position in Biotech Data Science, starting March 1, 2026 (negotiable). The position is based at the Center for Biosystems and Biotech Data Science, which specializes in developing mathematical and computational approaches for modeling biosystems and analyzing biotech datasets, with a strong emphasis on deep machine learning. The research group is internationally recognized and collaborates with the Internet Technology and Data Science Lab (IDLab), a leading research group in internet technology and data science. The PhD candidate will be enrolled as a doctoral researcher and will have the opportunity to spend part of their research trajectory at the home campus in Ghent, Belgium. The position involves a mix of research and teaching duties: approximately 50% of the candidate’s time will be dedicated to supporting undergraduate courses in informatics and bioinformatics, including supervising labs, developing course materials, grading, and supervising student projects. The research focus is on deep machine learning applications in biomedical image understanding (such as surgical video analysis) and biomolecule design and characterization. Candidates with expertise in biomolecule design may be eligible for a four-year doctoral trajectory within a European project on enzyme design for biodegradable food packaging. Within the first six months, the candidate must prepare a detailed doctoral research proposal for approval. The targeted degree is Doctor in Computer Science Engineering, awarded by Ghent University’s Faculty of Engineering and Architecture. The university emphasizes both hard and soft skill development throughout the doctoral trajectory. Applicants must hold or expect to hold an MSc in a relevant discipline by March 2026, demonstrate strong programming and analytical skills, and have excellent English proficiency (TOEFL iBT 80+). Non-Korean nationals must meet specific visa requirements, including three years of relevant work experience unless exempted. The compensation package includes a competitive salary, annual bonuses, housing or housing allowance, travel allowance for non-Korean candidates, private health insurance, severance pay, and generous paid leave. The application process involves submitting a single PDF of all required documents via email, followed by a multi-stage selection process including technical tests and interviews. The position offers a dynamic, multicultural research environment and opportunities for international collaboration and travel.

Ghent University Global Campus, located in Songdo, South Korea, offers a unique opportunity for a Research & Teaching Assistant (PhD Candidate) in Biotech Data Science. As part of a top-100 university with a strong international reputation, the Global Campus provides a vibrant academic environment with more than 20 nationalities among its doctoral researchers. The Center for Biosystems and Biotech Data Science (KR01) focuses on developing innovative mathematical and computational approaches for modeling biosystems and analyzing biotech datasets, leveraging deep machine learning as a core technology. Research lines include trustworthy and interpretable AI, biomedical image analysis, biomolecule design, sensor technologies, and neural rendering for real-time organ reconstruction. The PhD candidate will be enrolled as a doctoral researcher at the Center for Biosystems and Biotech Data Science, supervised by Professors Wesley De Neve, Joris Vankerschaver, and Shodhan Rao. The candidate will also have the opportunity to spend part of their research trajectory at the home campus in Ghent (IDLab – ELIS), a leading research group in internet technology and data science. The position is full-time, initially for one year and renewable up to three times, for a maximum total duration of six years, subject to positive evaluation. Teaching responsibilities comprise approximately 50% of the role, including supervising exercise sessions and computer labs, developing course materials, grading, and supervising bachelor’s projects, internships, and master’s theses. Research duties focus on deep machine learning applications in biomedical image understanding and biomolecule design, with opportunities to contribute to ongoing and future R&D projects, proposal writing, and research collaborations. The candidate is expected to regularly present research findings at internal and external events and publish in peer-reviewed international journals. Applicants must hold or expect to hold by June 2026 an MSc degree in Computer Science/Engineering, Informatics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field. Strong programming skills in C++, Python, Rust, and/or R, familiarity with GitHub, and experience in scientific computing and machine learning are required. Experience with deep learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, Keras) is a plus. Excellent command of English (minimum TOEFL iBT score of 80) is mandatory. Non-Korean applicants must have at least three years of documented, relevant work experience after completing their master's degree unless exempted by Korean government rules or visa status. Candidates with a non-Belgian master's degree must demonstrate equivalence of at least 18 ECTS credits in relevant courses. The compensation package includes an annual base salary of 27,375,000 KRW, two bonuses per year, a single dormitory unit or housing allowance, two roundtrip tickets per year for non-Korean candidates (up to 4,000,000 KRW), severance pay, Marsh private health insurance, 35 days paid annual leave, and additional holidays from Christmas to New Year. The targeted doctoral degree is Doctor in Computer Science Engineering, awarded by the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture at Ghent University in Belgium. To apply, merge all required application documents into a single PDF and email it to Prof. Wesley De Neve ([email protected]) with the subject line 'Full-time PhD Position in Biotech Data Analysis.' Applications will be reviewed starting April 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Interviews will be conducted in stages, and applicants are encouraged to apply early. For further information, visit the Ghent University and Global Campus websites or contact the supervisors directly.