VIB.AI International PhD Call 2025

Are you curious, committed, and ready to shape the future of AI in biology? VIB.AI is looking for PhD candidates to start in autumn/winter 2025/26!

We are especially interested in recruiting PhD students who are eager to develop and apply artificial intelligence techniques and mechanistic mathematical models to explore fundamental questions in biology. The PhD program is organized in partnership between VIB.AI, the other VIB Centers (CBD, CMN and CSB) and partner universities (KU Leuven, University of Antwerp and Vrije Universiteit Brussel).

Visit our dedicated PhD Call webpage for more information about the open positions.   

Doing a PhD at VIB & VIB.AI

VIB & VIB.AI offers a unique PhD experience with access to state-of-the-art facilities, expertise, and training. PhD students will have the opportunity to work together with internationally recognized scientists and develop their research projects in an innovative research environment.

At the start of the program, you'll take part in an extended onboarding period that includes specialized courses and hands-on training in AI and machine learning. You'll also have the chance to explore different labs and core facilities, meet fellow researchers, and take part in social and networking activities—all designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and connections to confidently launch your PhD journey.

Requirements

To be considered for a PhD position, you must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a relevant master’s degree or an equivalent higher education qualification in fields such as Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology/Neuroscience/Chemistry, Bioengineering, Biotechnology or other related fields
• Demonstrate academic excellence, typically reflected by graduation with distinction (cum laude) or through notable professional accomplishments.
• Relevant experience in interdisciplinary projects involving artificial intelligence and the life sciences is a plus.

Candidates who do not yet possess a master’s degree may be required to enroll in a predoctoral program, subject to the decision of the doctoral school. Further details will be provided if you are shortlisted.

This may include previous research in computational modeling, machine learning applications in genomics, protein structure, participation in bioinformatics projects, or hands-on experience with AI tools applied to biological data sets such as omics data, protein structure prediction, or biomedical imaging.

• Technical experience in programming (Python preferred), and/or machine learning is a plus—not a requirement. We support upskilling through onboarding and mentorship.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

We recognize that talent comes in many forms. If your background differs from the traditional path but you believe you bring unique insights or experiences, we encourage you to apply.

Offer

• A stimulating, international, interdisciplinary, collaborative, and supportive work environment, which emphasizes diversity and inclusion
• State-of-the-art computing and wet-lab facilities
• Excellent training in academic, technical, and career skills.
• Fully funded PhD scholarship but encouraged to apply for national PhD fellowships (e.g., FWO). Support and guidance to apply for your own funding is provided
• Scientific guidance at an internationally recognized high-level

Application

Please submit your application through our online application platform. As you complete your application, ensure the following steps are taken:

• Upload your CV as an attachment.
• Attach digital copies of your academic transcripts for both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees. If these documents are currently unavailable, please provide a brief explanation—either indicating the expected availability or the reason for the delay—within your motivation letter.
• Provide contact details for two to three referees, who can be contacted for a recommendation.
• Upload your motivation letter as an attachment. This letter should include:

1.     A clear indication of the specific PhD project you are applying for. You can apply for a maximum of 2 projects. (You can explore the list of available PhD projects here)

2. Answers to the following:

What research experience have you gained during your studies?

Please specify the duration (in months) and the technical knowledge or skills acquired.

What are your scientific interests?

One or two publications which define your scientific interest, along with a brief explanation of your selection. Highlight the aspects you found most compelling, insightful, or inspiring.

Timeline

Deadline: 22nd June 2025

Interviews: We will be in touch with applicants within one month after the call closes. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed via Zoom by the PI to whom the candidate applied.

On-Site Visit: Selected candidates will be invited for a 2-day on-site visit to our Center in September 2025.

Offers: Final offers will be extended by October 2025

For application inquiries, please contact vib.ai.hr@vib.be or visit our dedicated PhD Call webpage for more information.

About the VIB Center for AI and Computational Biology

VIB (Flanders Institute for Biotechnology) is an entrepreneurial non-profit research institute, with a clear focus on ground-breaking strategic basic research in life sciences and operates in close partnership with the five universities in Flanders. VIB strives for a respectful and supportive working environment and a culture of belonging for diverse talents in the organization.

VIB.AI was established in 2023 as the 10th VIB center, with the core mission to study fundamental problems in biology by combining machine learning with in-depth knowledge of biological processes. We aim to work towards foundation models and integrative theories of biological systems, and towards innovative AI-driven biotech applications in synthetic biology, agro-tech, and personalized medicine. AI-driven research at VIB.AI starts from biological questions and challenges that are addressed using state-of-the-art and novel computational and AI strategies, through close interactions and iterations with biological experiments and research labs within VIB.AI and across VIB. Additionally, we are committed to fostering computational and AI research excellence across all VIB Centers, amplifying collaboration (14 affiliated GLs) and pushing the boundaries of innovation in all of VIB’s research domains (plant biology, cancer biology, structural biology, medical biotechnology, neuroscience, immunology and microbiology).

Partner universities doctoral schools:

• KU Leuven- Doctoral School Biomedical Sciences

• University of Antwerp- Doctoral School Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences

• Vrije Universiteit Brussel- Doctoral School of Natural Sciences and (Bioscience) Engineering (NSE)