Leading scientist position (postdoc) to launch biotech spin-off

(ref. BAP-2022-59)

Laatst aangepast : 26/01/2022

The Vankelecom group at the KU Leuven is searching for an outstanding (biomedical) scientist to continue and deeper elaborate a project centered on translating human organoids into a diagnostic tool, to eventually launch a biotech spin-off. The Vankelecom group focuses on reproductive biology implicating organoid technology (e.g. Nature Cell Biology 2019, 21:1041; Nature 2021, Dec 2) to create a highly innovative organoid-based diagnostic tool. You will be embedded within the Vankelecom group at the KU Leuven (Leuven, Belgium) and will conduct research in close association with the team. You will focus on extending and advancing current proof-of-concept data to apply organoids as a diagnostic tool, to eventually launch the biotech spin-off.

Responsibilities

• You will draw up a ‘VLAIO spin-off innovation mandate’ application, in close interaction with the Principal Investigator (PI) prof. Vankelecom, Leuven Research & Development (LRD) and the KU Leuven Industrial Research Fund (IOF).
• You will be responsible for exploring and validating a new diagnostic tool and setting.
• You will define, organize, perform, analyze and troubleshoot (wet-lab) experiments, all in dynamic interaction with the PI, and provide scientific and technical input.
• You will present results and ideas in a clear way to main stakeholders of the project (such as LRD, IOF and VLAIO).
• You will together with the PI and major stakeholders actively search for industrial (and academic) opportunities including grants, collaborations and venture capital, and discuss strategic directions with them.

Profile

• You have a PhD degree in biomedical, pharmaceutical, bio-engineering, biological or medical science.
• You have a strong entrepreneurial mindset and are willing to give your maximum for a growing biotech venture.
• You have strong knowledge in cell biology and relevant cell culture experience (organoid expertise is a plus).
• You are familiar with state-of-the art technologies such as RNA-sequencing analysis (bioinformatic expertise is an asset).
• You are a creative and passionate scientist, have an analytical mind and can work independently.
• You have excellent organizational, interpersonal and communicative skills.
• You are highly motivated, swiftly adapt to new situations and aspire to be part of, and contribute to, the dynamic growth path of the spin-off for a substantial long-term period.
• You are fluent in English, both orally and in writing.

Offer

To start, we offer a 6-months IOF valorization trajectory position, to be followed by a 2-year VLAIO spin-off innovation mandate, and the strong possibility (even strong call) to long-term grow with the promising biotech spin-off.

The position will start from May 2022 (or later).

Interested?

Please complete the online application procedure and include: 

- a detailed CV

- a motivation letter describing previous research experience 

- the names and contact information of 2 references.

After candidate selection, interviews (live or by Skype) will be organized.
For more information you can contact [email protected]. 

KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at [email protected].