Ghent University Global Campus
Ghent University is a pluralistic institution, open to all regardless of ideological, political, cultural, or social background. Our credo is “Dare to Think.” As a top-100 university with more than 49,000 students and 15,000 staff members, we are one of the largest universities in the Dutch-speaking world, located in Flanders, Belgium. Our 11 faculties offer more than 200 programs and conduct in-depth research across a wide range of scientific domains. Several of our research groups, centers, and institutes are internationally renowned in fields such as biotechnology, aquaculture, microelectronics, and history, among others. In 2017, Ghent University celebrated its 200th anniversary. Over the past two centuries, our university has welcomed many eminent scientists, ministers, and even Nobel Prize winners among its staff and alumni.
Ghent University Global Campus (GUGC) is the first European university established in Songdo, South Korea. It offers Bachelor of Science programs in Molecular Biotechnology, Environmental Technology, and Food Technology. The main research areas at GUGC include plant biotechnology, biomedical technology, biotech data science, food technology, and environmental technology.
Please visit the homepage of Ghent University (http://www.ugent.be/en) and Ghent University Global Campus (http://ghent.ac.kr/ | http://www.ugent.be/globalcampus/en) to learn more about our organizations.
Center for Biosystems and Biotech Data Science (KR01)
The mission of the Center for Biosystems and Biotech Data Science, located at the Global Campus of Ghent University in Korea, is to develop novel mathematical and computational approaches for modeling biosystems and analyzing biotech datasets. A core technology employed by the center’s researchers is deep machine learning, which supports the creation of innovative concepts, methodologies, and tools in both molecular biology and computer vision. In addition, the Center—currently comprising three resident professors, one associate professor, three postdoctoral researchers, and ten PhD candidates—offers nine courses at Ghent University Global Campus (totaling 65 ECTS), covering subjects ranging from Informatics to Bioinformatics and Probability & Statistics.
Current research lines with a strong focus on (deep) machine learning are:
- Trustworthy and interpretable AI with uncertainty quantification
- Detection and characterization of sub-visible particles in microscopy images of biopharmaceuticals
- Deep learning and sensor technologies for fusion-based object detection and classification
- Deep learning for biological sequence analysis (e.g., generative AI for splice site modeling)
- Deep learning for biomolecule design and characterization
- Improving reliability and generalization of deep neural networks
- Neural rendering for real-time organ reconstruction
- Surgical video analysis
- Agentic AI for autonomous experimentation
The center has conducted technology transfer activities with BASF in Belgium and Janssen R&D in the United Kingdom.
Internet Technology and Data Science Lab (TW06)
The Internet Technology and Data Science Lab (IDLab) is a core research group of imec, with research activities embedded at Ghent University. With more than 300 researchers, IDLab is one of the largest research groups within imec, conducting both fundamental and applied research in internet technology and data science. Its research areas include machine learning and data mining, semantic intelligence, and cloud and big data infrastructures, among others. Notably, IDLab graduates are currently employed at leading institutions such as Google DeepMind and Google AI.
PackAhead (Horizon Europe Project)
PackAhead (project lead: VTT, Finland) is a high-impact European initiative aimed at transforming the circular bioeconomy. The project’s primary mission is to harness the potential of AI and digitalisation to accelerate the design and production of high-performance, affordable, and recyclable bio-based food packaging. At its core, PackAhead focuses on the development of regenerated cellulose-based packaging films and tailor-made enzymes required for their sustainable manufacture.
A central pillar of PackAhead is the accelerated development of industrial enzymes, specifically endoglucanases, used for cellulose pulp activation. To move beyond traditional trial-and-error methods, PackAhead employs an augmented Design-Build-Test-Learn (DBTL) cycle. One important component is de novo enzyme discovery, an approach that leverages cutting-edge generative AI models to design fully customisable molecules from scratch.
Specifically, PackAhead targets the design of novel enzymes that integrate constraints on active-site composition and physicochemical properties to ensure functional relevance. A key challenge involves optimising de novo variants for high activity on recycled pulp feedstocks while enhancing their tolerance to pollutant traces and high hemicellulose content. By bridging the gap between generative AI and industrial biotechnology, PackAhead aims to achieve commercial-scale, climate-neutral packaging solutions by 2032.
Job Summary
Full-Time Research Assistant, PhD Candidate – Ghent University Global Campus
Department: Department of Environmental Technology, Food Technology, and Molecular Biotechnology (KR01)
Department: Department of Electronics and Information Systems (TW06)
Degree: Master’s degree in one of the following disciplines: computer science/engineering, informatics, electrical engineering, applied mathematics, biomedical engineering, bioscience engineering, or a related field
Contract: 1 + 3 years, for a total of maximum 4 years (renewal conditional on a positive evaluation)
Occupancy rate: 100%
Vacancy type: Research Assistant (PhD Candidate, AAP)
Last application date: Review of applications will begin on July 27, 2026, and continue until the position is filled
Starting date: September 1, 2026 (open to negotiation)
Location: Ghent University Global Campus, Songdo, Korea
Scientific supervisors: Prof. Wesley De Neve, Prof. Joris Vankerschaver
Job Position
Ghent University Global Campus in South Korea has a vacancy for a Research Assistant in the field of AI-based enzyme engineering and bioprocess optimization, starting on September 1, 2026 (negotiable). This is a full-time position for an initial period of one year, renewable once upon favorable evaluation, for a maximum total duration of four years. Ghent University Global Campus is an equal opportunities employer.
The PhD candidate will be enrolled as a doctoral researcher at the Center for Biosystems and Biotech Data Science at Ghent University Global Campus in Korea, under the supervision of two to three doctoral advisors.
The PhD candidate is expected to conduct research in the field of (deep) machine learning, with a primary focus on AI-based enzyme design and a secondary focus on bioprocess optimization, possibly leveraging agentic AI techniques and automated research loops (e.g., Karpathy’s Autoresearch). This doctoral research will be conducted in close (iterative) collaboration with companies like Biomatter Designs (https://biomatter.ai/), Biosphere (https://www.biosphere.io/), and Novasign (https://novasign.at/).
The targeted doctoral degree is the degree of Doctor in Computer Science Engineering, awarded by the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture at Ghent University in Belgium. Further information about this doctoral degree can be found at https://www.ugent.be/ea/en/for-phd-candidates-and-students. Additional details on pursuing a doctoral degree at Ghent University can be found at https://www.ugent.be/en/research/doctoralresearch.
Note: Ghent University places strong emphasis on the development of both hard skills and transferable soft skills throughout the doctoral trajectory. The latter include communication skills, research and valorization, leadership and personal efficiency, and career management.
Important: Candidates holding a non-Belgian Master’s degree must undergo a diploma assessment. This process requires demonstrating the equivalence of at least 18 ECTS credits from their educational curriculum in general courses and/or courses related to the main subject of a Belgian Master of Science in Engineering Technology (excluding the master’s dissertation).
Job Description
- Conduct independent (applied) research in deep machine learning (with a focus on methodological innovation), targeting enzyme design and bioprocess optimization, possibly leveraging AI agents for automated experimentation.
- Regularly present research findings at internal and external events (e.g., (Horizon Europe) project meetings, doctoral research seminars, national and international conferences, promotional activities) and publish results in peer-reviewed international journals.
- Where relevant to the candidate’s doctoral research, support supervisors in ongoing and future R&D projects, including contributing to proposal writing, and help build and sustain research collaborations with other centers at both the global campus and the home campus.
- Transfer relevant research knowledge through the supervision of bachelor's projects and internships.
Candidate Profile
- You hold, or expect to hold by July 2026, an MSc degree in one of the following disciplines: Computer Science/Engineering, Informatics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Biomedical Engineering, or Bioscience Engineering. Related disciplines may also be considered.
- You have an excellent academic track record. In particular, you demonstrate strong programming skills and a clear interest in computer programming.
- You have strong programming skills in C++, Python, Rust, and/or R, and you are familiar with using GitHub.
- You have experience in scientific computing and machine learning. Experience with a deep learning framework (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, Keras) is considered an asset.
- You are highly motivated to conduct applied research at the intersection of (deep) machine learning and the life sciences (biotechnology). Awareness of current trends in computational biology and (machine learning-based) computer vision is considered a strong asset.
- You have strong analytical skills, enabling you to interpret experimental results through both analysis and synthesis.
- You are motivated to conduct independent research and demonstrate strong self-learning ability. A proactive, creative, and inquisitive mindset is essential.
- You have an excellent command of English, both written and spoken (minimum score of 80 on TOEFL iBT).
- You are comfortable presenting past, current, and future plans, as well as (intermediate) results, through regular individual and group meetings.
- You are comfortable working in an international and multicultural environment (Ghent University Global Campus hosts more than 20 nationalities among its doctoral researchers).
- You possess good academic writing and presentation skills.
- You are detail- and results-oriented.
- You are willing to work flexible hours and, when necessary, to participate in events outside regular working hours.
Important: If you do not hold Korean nationality, you must have at least three years of documented, relevant work experience after completing your master’s degree. This visa requirement is waived by the Korean government if you earned your master’s degree from a Korean university. International students residing in Korea with the following visa types are also exempt from the three-year work experience requirement: F-4 (overseas Korean), F-6 (spouse of a Korean national), and F-2 (resident/job-seeking visa).
Selection Criteria
- Scientific background and knowledge
- Programming skills (computational and algorithmic thinking)
Application Documents
- Motivation letter
- Research statement (maximum one page)
- A full CV, including at least two references and, if applicable, documentation of three years of relevant work experience after completing your master’s degree
- Copy of BSc and MSc degrees
- Transcripts (overview of study results)
- PDF version of your Master’s Thesis
The application documents must be merged into a single PDF and emailed to Prof. Wesley De Neve ([email protected]) with the following subject line: Full-time PhD Position in AI-based Enzyme Design. Applicants will receive a confirmation email upon receipt.
Application Process and Interview
- Interviews will be conducted in stages, starting from the earliest available time.
- Applicants are encouraged to apply timely, as the position will be filled once a suitable candidate has been identified.
We reserve the right to hold applications on file for future job openings. For inquiries, please contact us via email.
Selection Process
CV screening (shortlisting) -> Selection test -> Interview and technical test (programming in Python, use of Linux, use of a machine learning framework) -> Internal committee -> Approval -> Acceptance notice to the candidate selected.
Compensation & Benefits for the Selected Candidate
-1-year contract (renewable, after positive evaluation, for a total period of maximum 4 years).
-Starts from an Annual Base Salary of 27,375,000 KRW (Monthly Salary of 2,281,250 KRW, Gross).
-Two additional bonuses in June (92% of monthly salary) and December (100% of monthly salary).
-A single dormitory unit operated by the Incheon Global Campus (IGC) will be provided rent-free to non-Korean candidates and non-permanent residents of Korea.
-Severance pay shall be provided upon contract termination, provided that the candidate has worked for more than one year.
-Marsh private health insurance is provided, which covers basic medical reimbursements.
-The selected candidate shall have 35 days of paid annual leave per year.
-Additional holidays: from Christmas (Dec 25) to New Year (Jan 1).
Selection Committee
Prof. Wesley De Neve
Prof. Joris Vankerschaver
Prof. Shodhan Rao
