[Ieee_vis_open_positions] Postdoctoral scientist - Genomic variation discovery through visual analytics

[Jan Aerts]

The candidate will work 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
October/November 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).

================================
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