At the Department of Biosystems at KU Leuven (Belgium), the Center for Animal Breeding and Genetics—led by Prof. Nadine Buys—conducts pioneering research in the field of animal genomics, with a focus on both farm and companion animals. We are currently offering a full-time postdoctoral position in animal genomics for a highly skilled and motivated geneticist with a strong background in bioinformatics and a passion for advancing sustainable livestock breeding.
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Responsibilities
GenoBreed, funded by the FWO (Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek), is an ambitious research initiative dedicated to enhancing animal welfare in two of Flanders’ most vital livestock sectors: pigs and beef cattle. The project targets four prevalent genetic conditions—three congenital disorders in pigs and one in cattle—that significantly impact animal health and productivity. Building on extensive prior research by our team, which identified key genomic regions and candidate genes through transcriptomic analyses and genome-wide association studies, GenoBreed now aims to take the next leap: using cutting-edge genomic sequencing technologies to pinpoint the causal variants and unravel the underlying biological mechanisms of these disorders.
These discoveries will be translated into practical breeding tools, enabling the development of genetic tests and selection strategies that integrate genomic data, breeding values, and health traits into a comprehensive, welfare-driven breeding index.
As a postdoctoral researcher, you will play a central role in this process—leading analyses, developing tools, and contributing to the scientific and practical impact of the project. You will collaborate closely with PhD students, breeding companies, and (international) academic partners in a dynamic and supportive research environment that values innovation, teamwork, and real-world impact.
Profile
We are looking for a motivated and collaborative postdoctoral researcher who:
- Holds a PhD in animal genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, or a related field
- Has strong experience in GWAS and WGS data analysis. Knowledge of transcriptome analysis is a plus
- Is proficient in R, Python, Linux and has experience with several bioinformatics tools
- Has a solid understanding of livestock breeding and quantitative genetics
- Is a team player with excellent communication skills
- Is fluent in English (written and verbal communication)
- Is eager to contribute to sustainable and welfare-driven livestock farming
It is an asset if the applicant also:
- Has obtained a FELASA B or C certificate, or is willing to obtain one
- Meets the requirements of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Conditions of Mobility of Researchers. Researchers can be of any nationality and are required to undertake transnational mobility. This means that researchers must not have resided in the country of their host beneficiary (Belgium) for more than 12 months in the past 3 years.
Offer
- A full-time postdoctoral position for one year, with the possibility of extension up to a total of three years
- Competitive salary according to KU Leuven scale “postdoctoral assistant” (44), including benefits, in addition to Belgium’s strong social supports
- Access to state-of-the-art genomics and bioinformatics infrastructure
- Opportunities to publish in high-impact journals and present at international conferences
- Career development support through KU Leuven’s postdoc community
- Preferred starting date: October 1st, 2025
Interested?
Applications should be submitted through the KU Leuven job portal and should contain:
- Full CV, including your previous research experience, international mobility and publication list
- Concise cover letter describing your motivation and career goals, including a list of two references (PhD promotor and/or supervisor, international collaborators, ...) with email addresses and phone numbers
For more information about this vacancy, please contact: Prof. dr. Nadine Buys ([email protected]) or Dr. Roel Meyermans ([email protected]).
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.
