(Senior) Research Associate VIB DS Leuven

VIB is a world-class life science research institute in Flanders, Belgium, currently encompassing more than 1900 scientists located in 5 partner universities. VIB has a long-standing and successful history of translating scientific breakthroughs into impactful societal innovations and new innovative biotech companies.

The current position is within the VIB Discovery Sciences (VIB DS) unit, a translational research team of around 20 scientists and technicians, with a strong industry background, and focusing on validation and translation of VIB scientific breakthroughs into drug discovery and agro product, diagnostics, and biomarker projects.

VIB DS is looking to recruit a creative and independent (Senior) Research Associate with relevant experience to strengthen its team in Leuven. You will be joining a high-performing multi-disciplinary team, contributing to translating novel scientific discoveries into early drug candidates and bringing your expertise to complement our capabilities.

• Support the development and establishment of cell-based and biochemical assays to support the progression of different drug discovery projects
• Screen and characterize drug leads in said assays
• Implement novel methodologies and techniques
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, perform statistical analysis
• Communicate results internally and write experimental reports
• General support to the lab and maintenance of lab supplies and stocks

• You have a (professional) bachelor´s or master´s degree in biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, laboratory, or biomedical sciences.
• Several years of experience are required. Experience in the industry is a plus, but not mandatory.
• You have solid hands-on experience in cell culture (cell lines, primary cells; stable cell-line generation; co-cultures systems; transfection) as well as in cell-based assay development such as reporter assay proliferation, toxicity, binding, functional, …
• Ideally, you have experience in plate-based (high-content) imaging for screening purposes.
• You have excellent organizational skills and can work in a team as well as independently.
• You enjoy a dynamic and international environment.
• A sense of humor is highly recommended
• You have good social and communication skills in spoken and written English.

• Additional knowledge of some of the following technologies would be an asset:
  • FRET, BRET, HTRF & fluorescence polarization
  • Flow cytometry
  • ELISA or AlphaScreen
  • Compound management
  • Liquid handling Robot
• You can multi-task and meet timelines.

• We offer a full-time, open-ended contract, working from our site in Leuven;
• We provide a supportive, stimulating, and international environment with a clear focus on drug development, at the forefront of life sciences, in the best team ever.
• Total social security, including pension scheme and health care program.

Starting date: October/November 2022

We ask you to apply online.

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

• your cover/motivation letter
• your CV
• references