Proteomics specialist

The VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research (CBD) is part of the VIB Life Sciences Institute and is embedded within the University of Leuven, which ranks among the world’s top 50 universities. At our center, researchers want to force a breakthrough in the cure of neuronal and neurodegenerative disorders. Starting from a deep understanding of normal brain and nerve function and a profound insight into the mechanisms underlying the development of disease, the center aims at developing novel therapeutic strategies.

The Center is currently looking for a proteomics specialist to help set up a state-of-the-art proteomics platform at the Mass Spectrometry Center focusing on the development and implementation of novel proteomics technologies (hardware and software) into the different research lines of the Center.

As a proteomics specialist, you report directly to Bart Ghesquière, head of the Mass Spectrometry Center.

• You help coordinate the setup of the proteomics pipelines and protocols that meet the different needs of the different CBD researchers, ranging from routine to single-cell proteomics applications. When successful, you will eventually lead a sub-team of researchers (technical and scientific staff) ensuring a qualitative and quantitative workflow.
• You ensure the follow-up of ongoing projects.
• You develop and implement novel methods into the analysis pipeline to improve existing methods where possible.
• You take the lead in some of the high-risk high-gain projects and critically assess the impact and feasibility.

• You hold a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Medical Sciences or you have gained equivalent expertise through seniority.
• You have built up provable expertise in proteomics applications.
• You are able to perform in stressful situations and make rational decisions when needed.
• You have excellent communication and leadership skills.
• You are customer-oriented and you can explain complex matters in layman’s terms.
• Hands-on experience with LC-MS systems from different vendors is considered an asset.
• Hands-on experience with different software platforms (processing of raw files to an understandable format) is considered an asset.

• A dynamic and challenging research environment with important clinical and translational impact
• Access to unique mass spectrometers, training in the available technologies, as well as supervision of scientific staff (leadership courses)
• A broad professional network (academic, clinical, and industrial), national and international
• An excellent compensation package based on expertise and experience

Start date: as soon as possible.

Interested candidates should submit their candidacy through the VIB online application tool.

A complete application file (English) should contain the following documents:

• your cover/motivation letter stating career goals, past experience, and how these relate to the current position
• your CV
• contact information of 2 references

About the City of Leuven and Flanders

Leuven is an attractive European university city with a rich history and a lively atmosphere. The area has a strong biotechnology sector with spin-offs and start-ups. This, together with the presence of the University of Leuven and the University Hospital, makes Leuven particularly internationally oriented and tech-minded, and a natural home for researchers and their families. English is very widely spoken in the city and surrounding area.

More information

For more information: please contact [email protected]    

• https://cbd.sites.vib.be/en
• https://ghesquierelab.sites.vib.be/en
• Interested in a virtual tour? Take a look inside our labs, explore our science and meet our people here: https://360.cbd.vib.be/en