Fermentation Technician

VIB is a life sciences research institute, based in Flanders, Belgium. We perform basic research with a strong focus on translating scientific results into pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial applications. VIB is an independent research institute of the government, with 1470 scientists from more than 60 countries working at UGent, KU Leuven, University of Antwerp, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Hasselt University.

The VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology (CMB) focuses on the development of new and innovative molecular tools and technologies to challenge human health problems. The Center translates its novel technologies and insights to widely applicable research tools, vaccines, diagnostics and biopharmaceuticals. Our research pushes the boundaries of protein-focused biomolecular and bioinformatics research and engineering technologies. CMB educates and trains the next generation of medical biotechnology researchers and informs the public on the impact of biotechnology on human health.

During the pandemic outbreak, it has become very clear that a fast response is essential to protect the population, especially the most vulnerable. With the availability of vaccines and drugs, the developed world has been able to quickly prevent an even more dramatic spreading of the Coronavirus. Unfortunately, this was not the case for most low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). 

In the Callewaert lab, we are dedicated to improving pandemic readiness and reducing the manufacturing time and cost of biologics for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, especially for these LMICs. To this end, our group is looking for a motivated and enthusiastic upstream technologist to contribute to this humanitarian-oriented project, co-funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

• You hold a professional Bachelor's degree in Chemistry with focus on brewing technology, a Master’s degree in Biochemical Engineering Technology, Bioscience Engineering Cell and Gene Biotechnology, Biotechnology or Biological Sciences, or equivalent.
• You are interested in improving and optimizing (microbial) fermentation processes in consultation with our process engineering scientist.
• You have hands-on experience with fermentation and can run a fermentation according to predefined process parameters.
• Experience with the following is highly preferred: preparation of the bioreactors, understanding of basic fermentation parameters to control the process, sample taking and basic analytics, harvesting.
• Experience with the following is a plus: yeast, downstream processing (filtration, purification) and/or protein analytics.
• You are flexible in working hours.
• You are technically oriented, so instruments and software don’t scare you.
• You have a hands-on attitude, and an eye for detail and can perform experiments independently.
• You are eager to learn new techniques and take initiative.
• You have good communication skills in spoken and written English.
• Efficient with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for reporting results.

• A full-time contract with a competitive salary.
• Becoming part of an enthusiastic team working on a humanitarian project.
• Mentoring, supervision, and training through the Callewaert lab, and training programs from UGent and VIB.
• An international working environment in an academic institute that is active at the forefront of life sciences.
• Training on and use of state-of-the-art equipment for life science research.
• Starting date: as soon as possible

For more information, please contact Katrien Claes ([email protected]).

Please apply online using the VIB application tool and upload your resume and motivation letter.

Interested candidates are invited to apply as soon as possible. Applications are welcome until the position is filled.