👨💻️Senior Scientist in Computational Biology | Bioinformatics Expert | Single-Cell ‘Omics Specialist | Cancer Research Advocate
As a Senior Scientist specializing in Computational Biology, I have dedicated over a decade to unraveling the complexities of cancer heterogeneity and cell therapy. Armed with a PhD in Biomedical Sciences from KU Leuven and a mini-MBA in Entrepreneurship from Innotek, I thrive at the intersection of data and biology.
My expertise lies in leading and executing computational biology projects in drug and target discovery, particularly utilizing single-cell ‘omics. I have successfully integrated several promising targets into research pipelines, managed multiple collaborations, led computational investigations, and implemented NGS technologies. My passion is to leverage my skills to advance cancer therapy and improve patient outcomes.
As I embark on a new chapter, I’m actively seeking opportunities as a Senior or Principal Scientist in Computational Biology or Bioinformatics within the pharma, biotech, or consulting industries. If you know of any relevant openings or simply want to connect, please don’t hesitate to reach out! And if you’re up for a hike while discussing (data) science, count me in! 🥾
A glimpse into my background:
- 🖥️ Bioinformatician with a decade of research experience in single-cell biology, combining wet lab and computational skills
- 💉 Spearheaded projects in Cell Therapy, focusing on data-driven, innovative approaches to complex biological questions
- 🎯 Specialized in Oncology, driven by an enthusiasm for unraveling insights through single-cell and multi-omics technologies
- 🧠 Problem-solver with a get-it-done mentality and a thirst for learning
Looking for:
- 💼 Roles as a Senior or Principal Bioinformatician, Bioinformatics Scientist, Bioinformatics Analyst, or Computational Biologist
- 🌎 Opportunities in Belgium (hybrid) or remote positions across Europe
Experience
Senior Scientist Computational Biology
GalapagosResponsibilities include:
- Coordinate and manage bioinformatics support for the Cell Therapy research area
- Data-driven target identification
- Business Development asset evaluation
- Assist in drug target discovery projects by analysing (single-cell) transcriptomics experiments
Achievements/milestones:
- Analysis workflow for data-driven (single and combo) target identification
- Identified several potential targets, with two successfully integrated into the company’s pipeline
Senior Postdoctoral Scientist
Lab of Computational Biology @ VIBResponsibilities include:
- Manage multiple research collaborations, with academic and industry partners
- Lead computational investigations into melanoma cell states (see paper)
- Implement NGS technologies (e.g. single-cell CRISPR pooled screens, 10X Chromium single-cell RNA-seq, 10X Chromium phased whole-genome DNA-seq)
- Supervise (co-promoter of) 2 PhD students
- Teach “Bioinformatics and Systems Biology: Expression, Regulation and Networks” (2nd Master of Biomedical Sciences)
Achievements/milestones:
- 4-year scholarship of Stichting tegen Kanker (1 of 10 scholarships) (~€400K)
- 3-year scholarship of Kom op tegen Kanker (1 of 3 scholarships) (€225K)
- 3-year research grant of The Harry J. Lloyd Charitable Trust (US; $130K)
- 2 first-author and 10 co-author papers (4 as second-last author)
- Invited speaker at the 10X Chromium scRNA-seq workshop (2017; Ghent), at the Bioinformatics Interest Group meeting (2018; Leuven), at the Melanoma Workshop 2019 (Otranto) and at the CCB-VIB Cancer Seminars (2019)
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Scientist
1 year @ University College Dublin – Oncomark Ltd., Dublin & 1 year @ Dept. of Imaging & Pathology, KU LeuvenResponsibilities include:
- Lead Work Package 1 of an EU Marie Curie IAPP cancer project in an SME spin off company
- Fine-tuning and validation of a prognostic assay, consisting of a panel of epigenetically-regulated protein biomarkers (see paper)
- Supervise 1 bachelor student
Achievements/milestones:
- Abstract Travel Award by the Society of Melanoma Research (SMR) ($1.5K)
- 1 first-author papers and 1 co-author paper
- Invited speaker at Society of Melanoma Research Conference (Boston)
Postdoctoral Scientist
Dept. of Imaging & Pathology, KU LeuvenResponsibilities include:
- Head 2 research collaborations
- Supervise (co-promoter of) 1 master student
Achievements/milestones:
- 2 first-author and 6 co-author papers
- Invited speaker at the International Melanoma Workshop 2013 (Dublin) and at the Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI)
PhD Biomedical Sciences, program Cancer
Dept. of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU LeuvenResponsibilities include:
- Run 4 research collaborations
- Supervise 2 master students
- Tutor math, physics, chemistry and biology
- Teach “Morphological techniques - Research techniques” (3th Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences)
Achievements/milestones:
- Promising cancer research in Flanders by the Flemish League against Cancer (VLK) (€50K)
- Cycle for Life Award of the Leuven Cancer Institute, UZ Leuven (€20K)
- Outstanding Abstract Award at the Paris Melanoma Conference
- 6 first-author and 8 co-author papers
- Invited speaker at the European Congress of Pathology 2011 (Helsinki), at the Paris Melanoma Conference, at the EORTC melanoma group meetings (Milan) and at the Leuven Cancer Institute
Education
PhD Biomedical Sciences
University of Leuven (KU Leuven)Thesis on Cancers stem cells in cutaneous melanoma.Read ThesisMini-MBA - Entrepreneurship
InnotekInnotek is the INNOvation, TEchnology and Knowledge centre. Innotek provides business development support by coaching managers to be more enterprising and innovative in their business.Laboratory Animal Sciences – International Cert. FELASA B
University of Leuven (KU Leuven)MSc and BSc Bio-engineering
University of Leuven (KU Leuven)Cum Laude
- Major cellular and genetic biotechnology
- Minor bio-nano-technology