About the role
We are recruiting a full-time Research Professor (BOFZAP) to join the Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, KU Leuven. We welcome applications from internationally oriented candidates with a strong research profile in the field of microbial systems biology, synthetic biology and/or protein engineering.
The new colleague will be expected to develop a research program around the study of fundamental properties of microbes, microbial biomolecules and on translating insights from these systems into practical applications. The research should preferably adopt a systems-level approach and make use of high-throughput methodologies. Effective application of advanced machine learning analysis and data integration approaches, potentially through collaboration, is considered a strong asset. Application areas may include, but are not limited to, synthetic biology for enzyme, strain, or ecosystem engineering aimed at addressing important societal and sustainability challenges. The research will be embedded within the ongoing research programs of the Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics and should ideally complementing existing initiatives.
A good command of English is required. Teaching duties as a Research Professor are initially limited, allowing you time to establish your research program. You will contribute to the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering's bachelor's and master's programs and supervise master's theses. Teaching responsibilities will be defined in consultation and aligned with your expertise. Knowledge of Dutch is not required at the thime. However, since most bachelor-level teaching is Dutch, you are expected to acquire a working knowledge of the language over time. KU Leuven offers language training to support this.
Research Unit and Academic Setting
KU Leuven is a research-intensive university, consistently listed among the top institutions worldwide. It has strong fundamental and applied research, and is considered amongst Europe's most innovative universities. Research at KU Leuven is strongly inter- and multidisciplinary in nature, and the university strives for international excellence. In this context, it actively collaborates with research partners in Belgium and abroad and offers students an academic education that is rooted in high-quality scientific research.
The CMPG consists of 10 professors active in biological and biotechnological research. This includes fundamental research on bacterial and yeast physiology, using microbes as model systems to study core biological processes, and applied research in fermentation and control of bacterial infections and contaminations. Further, several groups work on the development and application of advanced computational biology analyses. Three groups are part of the VIB research institute. The unit organizes the masters of Cellular and Genetic Engineering and Bioinformatics within the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering. The Faculty is recognized for the academic strength of its students.
What we offer
We offer full-time employment as a BOFZAP research professor in a supportive and research-driven academic context. A start-up package is included, with funding for a PhD student and experimental expenses, and equipment. You will be based in our shared laboratory space and have access to CMPG equipment, the VIB/KU Leuven Core Facilities (see VIB Core Facilities, KU Leuven Core Facilities, and KU Leuven Institutes), as well as the university’s high-performance computing facility.
KU Leuven actively supports international professors and their families with immigration and administrative procedures, housing, childcare, Dutch language courses, and partner career guidance.
You will work in Leuven, a historic, dynamic and lively city located in the heart of Belgium, within 20 minutes from Brussels, the capital of the European Union, and less than two hours from Paris, London and Amsterdam. The CMPG is located in the castle Arenberg campus, just outside the city centre.
Depending on your record and qualifications, you will be appointed to or tenured in one of the grades of the senior academic staff: assistant professor, associate professor, professor or full professor. In principle, junior researchers are appointed as assistant professor on the tenure track for a period of 5 years; after this period and a positive evaluation, they are permanently appointed (or tenured) as an associate professor.
Procedure and additional information
The recruitment procedure will proceed through the annual university open BOF-ZAP Research Professor call. Candidates interested in this position are invited to submit their application by emailing CMPG at to [email protected] by June 30th 2025. Add to your application the following documents:
- A short biosketch (max 2 pages) outlining your experience and future vision and ambition as an academic in research, education and service to society. This can be included as a separate document or directly in your email.
- A Curriculum Vitae including an overview of your education and publications.
- A research plan outlining the development of 2-3 research lines over the next five years.
A selection of candidates will be invited for an interview and campus visit - either virtual or in person -in August. Following this, the CMPG will select a candidate to proceed with the university’s appointment process.
This starts with a formal pre-application by September 2, followed by submission of the full application in October 2025. The university interview will take place between November 11 and December 11. During this period, the candidate will be invited to visit our facilities, present their research, and meet with CMPG professors and staff.
The final appointment decision will be made in February 2026. Information on the BOFZAP procedure can be found here and the general call is published here.
For more information about the procedure or content of the position you can contact the head of the CMPG, Prof. dr. Rob Jelier at [email protected] .
