Scientific Researcher

→ Apply before 12/10/2026 (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels Time) → Faculty of Sciences → Department: WE06
- Chemie → Occupancy rate:100% → Number of positions: 1 → Type of employment: Contract of limited duration → Term of assignment: 12 Months → Wage scale: WM1 to WM4 (master degree or doctoral degree) → Required diploma:Master or PhD ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students. YOUR TASKS Purpose of the role As the right hand of the team lead of a Ghent University spin-off project, you will play a key role in transforming it from an academic spin-off into a successful venture-backed biotechnology company. You will combine scientific expertise with a strong business mindset and contribute to both operational and strategic activities across the company.

Key responsibilities
Project management
• Track business and scientific project progress and follow up on action items
• Evaluate and compare CDMOs, preclinical CROs and clinical CROs
• Prepare and coordinate meetings with external partners and contractors Fundraising
• Support (pre-)seed and Series A fundraising activities
• Build and maintain the investor data room
• Prepare investor presentations and pitch decks
• Contribute to the development of business plans
• Develop financial scenarios and business cases
• Support due diligence processes
• Maintain relationships with existing and prospective investors Business development
• Conduct market research and competitive landscape analyses
• Identify business opportunities and market trends
• Evaluate licensing and strategic partnership opportunities Strategy
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Perform strategic and risk analyses Communication
• Prepare scientific and business presentation
• Support grant applications and funding proposals
• Contribute to scientific communication materials
• Prepare for scientific conferences and partnering events WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
• Master or PhD degree in Life Sciences, Medicine, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical engineering or a related discipline
• Strong interest in biotechnology entrepreneurship
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Able to work independently in a dynamic start-up environment
• Entrepreneurial, proactive and hands-on mindset
• Experience in fundraising, business development or management consulting is considered an asset
• Advanced Master degree in Entrepreneurship/Biotech Ventures/MBA/... is considered an asset WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
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We offer
you a contract of definite duration for the period from 01/11/2026 until 30/10/2027
• Your contract will start on 1/11/2026 at the earliest.
• Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale WM1 to WM4 (if you hold a Master’s degree) or salary scale PD1 to PD4 (if you hold a doctorate). Click here for more information about our salary scales.
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits. INTERESTED? Apply online through the e-recruitment system before the application deadline (see above). We do not accept late applications or applications that are not submitted through the online system. Your application must include the following documents:
• In the field ‘CV’: your CV and an overview of your study results (merged into one pdf file)
• In the field ‘Cover letter’: your application letter in pdf format
• In the field ‘Diploma’: a transcript of the required degree (if already in your possession). If you have a foreign diploma in a language other than our national languages (Dutch, French or German) or English, please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages.
• In the field “other documents”: a reference letter, an overview of your study results, … Note that the maximum file size for each field is 10 MB. As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position. MORE INFORMATION For more information about this vacancy, please contact dr. Loren Deblock (loren.deblock@ugent.be). Important: do NOT send your application by email, but apply online. Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read the FAQ or contact us via selecties@ugent.be.