Sign In
Sign Up

eDNA Metagenomics and Bioinformatics for Marine Biodiversity Monitoring

  • //applyindex.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/belgium.png Belgium
  • University/Institute Name KU Leuven
  • Attendance Type On Campus (Full Time)
  • Position DurationSee Position Description
  • Position Funding Type Postdoc Salary or Fellowship
  • Application deadlineExpired
Apply
Get Cover Letter

Position Details (Postdoc)

The Research group of Hugo Gante focuses on eco-evo-devo and conservation of fishes, with a focus on eDNA applications and development.
The Gante lab at KU Leuven is looking for a postdoc within the project eDNA-OPTIMA, focused on the computational analysis of eDNA metagenomics data, with a particular emphasis on macroscopic eukaryotes
Website unit

Responsibilities

  • perform bioinformatics analyses of eDNA metagenomic datasets, focusing on macroscopic eukaryotes
  • develop and optimize workflows for taxonomic assignment, comparative genomics, and community composition analysis
  • collaborate with team members on experimental design, data integration, and modeling approaches
  • contribute to scientific publications, reports and protocol development
  • engage in interdisciplinary collaboration with marine ecologists, hydrodynamic modelers, and industry

Profile

  • PhD in Biology, Bioinformatics, Genomics, or related fields
  • proven track record in eDNA metagenomics, comparative genomics and/or bioinformatics
  • strong programming skills (e.g. bash, Python R) and experience with high-throughput sequencing data analysis
  • familiarity with the VSC is an asset
  • familiarity with marine biodiversity and ecological data integration is an asset
  • excellent communication skills and ability to work in a multidisciplinary team

Offer

The VLAIO- funded project eDNA-OPTIMA aims to develop robust, cost-effective methods for environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis to improve biodiversity monitoring in marine ecosystems, particularly the North Sea. The project addresses key challenges such as false positives/negatives in species detection by studying eDNA dynamics (transport, degradation, resuspension) and integrating hydrodynamic modeling with advanced bioinformatics. A major focus is on macroscopic eukaryotes, including benthic and pelagic taxa that are difficult to monitor using traditional methods.

The successful candidate will contribute to the analysis of eDNA metagenomics data, optimizing pipelines for taxonomic assignment and (meta)genomics, and integrating results with ecological and hydrodynamic models of the North Sea. This work will support the development of automated eDNA sampling systems and standardized protocols for large-scale marine biodiversity monitoring.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Hugo Gante, tel.: +32 16 32 95 46, mail: [emailprotected] or Mrs. Conny Coeckelberghs, tel.: +32 16 32 37 17, mail: [emailprotected].

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

Research Areas & Fields of Study involved in the position

Position Start Date

Check Position Description