New PhD position open on AI-driven multimodal data fusion models in rare diseases
Come join our team! PhD position open as part of an international Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network SPACE-MEL (101311007).
The problem is to train meaningful predictive models that can work in scenarios where training data is limited (as is by definition the case in rare disease). We have some ideas on how to do this, we need someone to help us out. If you’re up for a challenge, don’t hesitate to apply.
Project Description
The candidate will develop and benchmark zero-shot multimodal fusion models for rare disease prediction, using melanoma as a use case. The project integrates spatial and single-cell multi-omics data with histopathology and clinical information to learn robust cross-modal representations for diagnostic prediction. It pursues two integrated objectives: (i) to develop generative and explainable AI approaches for multimodal data fusion; and (ii) to extend existing multimodal frameworks with additional omics layers and evaluate their performance across heterogeneous datasets. At KU Leuven, the candidate will develop machine-learning strategies for multimodal representation learning and for the integration of the complex biological datasets generated within the consortium.
Required Skills
- Strong programming skills in Python, and experience with at least one deep-learning framework (PyTorch preferred).
- A solid grounding in machine learning. Experience with representation learning, generative models, foundation models or multimodal integration is a strong asset.
- Experience in the analysis of high-dimensional biological data (single-cell or spatial transcriptomics, digital pathology or biomedical imaging) is an advantage.
- Comfortable working on Linux and HPC/GPU systems, with version control (git) and reproducible workflows (conda or containers, Snakemake or Nextflow).
- Able to work independently as well as within an interdisciplinary, international consortium.
- Proficiency in the English language is required, as well as good communication skills, both oral and written.
For more details on how to apply, check out the official page here. You can apply for this job no later than October 15, 2026.