We are recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to develop, in collaboration with the Oligogenic Team at (IB)2, novel machine learning methods to predict the effect of combinations of variants in disease phenotypes, and more precisely discerning pathogenic modifications associated with known disease-causing genes. This research builds on the Variant Combinations Pathogenicity Predictor work (https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1815601116) as well as its associated developments like ORVAL (http://orval.ibsquare.be). Specific research directions in this context can be discussed yet certain deliverables need to be reached within the context of the project on which this position is opened. One of the responsibilities is to collaborate with technical support staff on the transfer of the ORVAL platform to a professional cloud environment hosted by the company FairGX and the Foundation 101 Genomes (http://f101g.org). The position would be in the context of the Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels (http://www.ibsquare.be) and the ULB Machine Learning group (http://mlg.ulb.ac.be) under the supervision of professor Tom Lenaerts and in collaboration with Dr. Sofia Papadimitriou (Université Libre de Bruxelles), the PhDs working on this topic and the other partners of the G4BXL project. This position is available for 2 years. The position will be closed as soon as a suitable candidate is found. How to apply Persons interested in this position should send a CV, publication list, motivation letter and 3 reference contacts to Tom.Lenaerts@ulb.be<mailto:Tom.Lenaerts@ulb.be>. We kindly ask to make it explicitly clear in the motivation letter which of the skills listed below fit your profile. Requested profile The ideal candidate has a Ph.D. degree in computer science or related field, with prior expertise in data science, machine learning, bioinformatics or genetics to be a plus. The candidate has: · The analytical and critical mindset to help design novel machine learning algorithms. · Understanding of genetics and their relation to disease. · Practical knowledge of machine learning and techniques to make the methods explainable. · Familiarity with bioinformatics resources, formats, and general concepts. · Experience in writing high-quality scientific papers. · Dedication to open-source development. The following skills are a plus: · Familiarity with container technologies such as Docker. · Familiarity with Cloud computing architecture. · All prior expertise in genome bioinformatics. The candidate should have the following soft skills: · Good communication and presentation skills. · Capable of working independently but with a good team spirit. · Good organisational skills. · Good knowledge of English is needed to interact with the team. · Interest to work in an international environment. Equal opportunities policy As stated by its statutes, the Université Libre de Bruxelles is a non-discriminating institution, and all its members are expected to adhere to its fundamental principles. ULB's personnel management policy focuses on diversity and equal opportunities and recruits candidates based on their skills, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, origin, nationality, beliefs, disability. ULB has played a pioneering role in the rise of female academics in Belgium. ULB has launched the Cascade initiative, which ensures that the gender balance among promoted staff members is at least equal to that observed at the lower level of career progression. More details on the ULB gender equality policy are available at https://www.ulb.be/en/about-ulb/gender-equality-at-ulb.