[BBC] WANTED: postdoc visual analytics in next-generation sequencing

[Jan Aerts]

*Postdoctoral scientist - Genomic variation discovery through visual
analytics*

SymBioSys is a consortium of computational scientists and molecular
biologists at the University of Leuven, Belgium focusing on how individual
genomic variation leads to disease through cascading effects across
biological networks (in specific types of constitutional disorders and
cancers). We develop innovative computational strategies for
next-generation sequencing and biological network analysis, with
demonstrated impact on actual biological breakthroughs.

The candidate will be a key player in the SymBioSys workpackage that
focuses on genomic variation detection based on *next-generation sequencing
data* (454, Illumina, PacBio) using a *visual analytics* approach (i.e.
combining machine learning with interactive data visualization). This
includes applying and improving existing algorithms and tools for the
detection of *structural genomic variation* (insertions, deletions,
inversions and translocations), as well as developing interactive data
visualizations in order to investigate *parameter space* of these
algorithms. These methods will be applied to specific genetic disorders in
day-to-day collaboration with the human geneticists within the consortium.

We offer a competitive package and a fun, dynamic environment with a
top-notch consortium of young leading scientists in bioinformatics, human
genetics and cancer. Our consortium offers a rare level of
interdisciplinarity, from machine learning algorithms and data
visualization to fundamental advances in molecular biology, to direct
access to the clinic. The University of Leuven is one of Europe’s leading
research universities, with English as the working language for research.
Leuven lies just east of Brussels, at the heart of Europe.

*Profile*

The ideal candidate holds a PhD degree in bioinformatics/genomics and has
good analytical, algorithmic and mathematical skills. Programming and data
analysis experience is essential. Prior experience working with sequencing
data, i.c. alignment of next-generation data, as well as genome-wide
detection of genetic variation would be a distinct advantage. Experience in
data visualization - e.g. using tools like D3 (http://d3js.org) or
Processing (http://processing.org) - would also be considered a big plus.
Good communication skills are important for this role.

The candidate will collaborate closely with researchers across the
consortium and contribute to the reporting of the project. Qualified
candidates will be offered the opportunity to work semi-independently under
the supervision of a senior investigator, mentor PhD students, and
contribute to the acquisition of new funding. A three-year commitment is
expected from the candidate. Preferred start date is November/December 2012.

*Relevant publications*

   - Conrad D, Pinto D, Redon R, Feuk L, Gokumen O, Zhang Y, Aerts J,
   Andrews D, Barnes C, Campbell P et al. Origins and functional impact of
   copy number variation in the human genome. Nature 464:704-712 (2010)
   - Medvedev P, Stanciu M & Brudno M. Computational methods for
   discovering structural variation with next-generation sequencing. Nat
   Methods 6(11):S13-S20 (2009)
   - Nielsen CB, Cantor M, Dubchak I, Gordon D & Ting W. Visualizing
   genomes: techniques and challenges. Nat Methods 7:S5-S15 (2010)

*Application*

Please send in PDF: (1) a CV including education (with Grade Point Average,
class rank, honors, etc.), research experience, and bibliography, (2) a
one-page research statement, and (3) two references (with phone and email)
to Dr Jan Aerts (jan.aerts at esat.kuleuven.be), cc Dr Yves Moreau (
yves.moreau at esat.kuleuven.be) and Ms Ida Tassens (
ida.tassens at esat.kuleuven.be).

URL: http://www.kuleuven.be/bioinformatics/

================================
Dr Jan Aerts
Assistant Professor
Faculty of Engineering - ESAT/SCD
University of Leuven
Kasteelpark Arenberg 10 bus 2446
3001 Leuven-Heverlee
Tel: +32 16 321053
Fax: +32 16 321970
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