Postdoctoral fellow Pichia protein production process engineering Ghent

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 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 virus. Unfortunately, this was not the case for most low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). 

In the Callewaert lab, a new project has started to improve pandemic readiness and reduce 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 postdoctoral fellow to contribute to this humanitarian-oriented project, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The research will entail the development of novel yeast fermentation processes for newly engineered strains producing pandemic readiness antibodies, in tight collaboration with a not-for-profit large-scale manufacturing organization.

• You hold a Ph.D. in Sciences (e.g. Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemistry) or Bio-engineering sciences.
• You have a strong background in recombinant protein expression and purification and have expertise in upstream process development with Pichia pastoris.
• You have extensive hands-on experience with (lab scale) fermentation equipment and process analytical techniques.
• You have a good understanding of mathematical and statistical analysis of process development data.
• You have excellent oral and written communication skills (English).

• A full-time contract, initially for a period of two years, with a competitive salary.
• Working in a lab with a 20-year track record on Pichia molecular technology development and biopharmaceutical innovation, located in brand-new facilities in the middle of one of the main biotech hubs in Europe.
• Becoming part of an enthusiastic team working on a humanitarian project.
• Training programs from UGent and VIB.
• An international working environment in an academic institute that is active at the forefront of life sciences.
• Access to 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 and upload your resume and motivation letter: https://jobs.vib.be/apply/4259...

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