Full-time academic position - Gembloux agro-bio tech - Field: molecular biology and biotechnology of higher Eukaryotic cells

University of Liège (ULiège); Belgique; On-site; EUR 64,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension plan

Relocation aid

Meal vouchers

IFRES training

Bike allowance

Transport reimbursement

Job summary

University of Liège (ULiège) invites applications for a full-time academic position in molecular biology and biotechnology of higher eukaryotic cells within Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech. The post combines teaching, research, and community service.

The successful candidate will lead a research unit, supervise students, and engage in international collaborations. The position offers a permanent or four-year fixed-term contract, with a competitive gross monthly salary starting at €6,314.51 and generous

Qualifications

• Hold a doctoral research degree at the time of submitting the application and have significant postdoctoral experience reflected in international high-level publications.
• Demonstration of solid field experience in a developing country is an asset.
• Produce evidence of proven international collaborations and a desire to develop these partnerships.
• Demonstrate ability to finance and carry out scientific research and lead a research team.
• Demonstrate ability to teach in both French and English or commit to doing so within two years.
• Be able to work within a teaching and research team combining different disciplines using shared resources.
• Be available for services to the community.

Responsibilities

• Teach in the field of molecular biology and biotechnology of higher eukaryotic cells including master courses and supervising theses.
• Develop and lead research activities in sustainable transition of production and development of living organisms.
• Publish and disseminate research findings; foster international collaborations.
• Contribute to services to the community and external relations.

Skills

Doctoral degree

International collaborations

Leadership in research

Bilingual teaching

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Diversity & inclusion

Education

Doctoral degree

Job description

Organisation/Company University of Liège (ULiège) Research Field Biological sciences » Other Chemistry » Molecular chemistry Chemistry » Other Engineering » Chemical engineering Engineering » Other Medical sciences » Other Technology » Biotechnology Researcher Profile Established Researcher (R3) Application Deadline 31 Jan 2027 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

JOBREFERENCE: PA271001

START DATE: 01/09/2027

The University of Liège is the largest French-speaking public university in Belgium. It employs more than 5,700 staff members across four campuses, including 3,600 active teachers and researchers in all fields of the human and social sciences, science and technology, and health sciences. It hosts nearly 27,000 students of 123 different nationalities in one of the most multicultural and dynamic cities in Europe, less than an hour from Brussels and Cologne, two hours from Paris, and three hours from London and Amsterdam.

Actively involved in the social and environmental transition, ULiège supports students to fulfil their roles as responsible citizens (training in sustainable development, Green Office, etc.) and promotes ethical, multidisciplinary and open research. ULiège is committed to the region in which it operates and contributes towards local socio-economic development. It has developed numerous partnerships, notably with the university hospital. International and united, it participates in the European University of Post-Industrial Cities, UNIC initiative and has one of the most extensive collaborative networks in the world.

ULiège offers attractive career prospects in a high-quality working environment, promoting well-being, diversity and equality of opportunity. Since 2011, ULiège has been proud to display the European Human resources strategy for researchers (HRS4R) label, which reflects its commitment to open, transparent and merit-based procedures. In addition, it recognises the quality and diversity of research in line with the recommendations of the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA). ULiège encourages its academic staff to travel internationally and welcomes international researchers through its EURAXESS centre.

Within the University of Liège, the Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech Faculty (GxABT) offers people the opportunity to develop their scientific careers in a creative atmosphere which encourages multidisciplinary approaches to cutting-edge research and high-quality teaching for the next generation of bioengineers. GxABT provides a supportive infrastructure, including professional development programmes, a welcome group for new academic staff, funding opportunities, and collaboration platforms to encourage successful research and scientific excellence.

Situated in the French-speaking part of Belgium, the GxABT campus is just a short distance south of Brussels, the cosmopolitan capital of Europe (30 minutes by train). The town of Gembloux combines the serenity of a peaceful way of life with practical access to urban amenities.

JOB DESCRIPTION

A full-time, indivisible academic position, in the field of “Molecular biology and biotechnology of higher eukaryotic cells” within the single Department of the Faculty of Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech. This position includes teaching and research activities as well as services to the community.

TEACHING ACTIVITIES

The teaching activities include a course load worth a total of between 15 and 18 credits, including:

• CHIM9325-1 Applied immunology
• CHIM0716-1 From genes to proteins
• CHIM0719-1 Microbial biotechnology – applications (in English)

The creation of an optional course may be proposed at a later stage, around the themes of cell culture (principles and applications) and/or the biotechnologies of eukaryotic cells.

The courses are only given to Master’s students and may be given in English or French (unless otherwise indicated).

The teaching load also includes supervising or overseeing internships, final dissertations, doctoral theses, various projects, etc.

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

Research activities shall be developed in the field of molecular biology and biotechnology of higher eukaryotic cells, in connection with one of the major themes of Faculty research, namely the sustainable transition of systems for the production, processing and development of living organisms.

The culture and genetic and metabolic engineering of animal and plant eukaryotic cells is one of the fundamental skills for the emergence of new bioengineering strategies. Many cells lines are already being used in research and for the production of drugs for vaccines, treatment and diagnosis, as well as for the development of innovative cell therapies. The recent rise in cell agriculture has further broadened the scope of application of these systems. The successful applicant shall develop their research activities within the context, encompassing one or more of the following specific areas:

• Design and optimisation of binding and non-binding cell culture systems (bioreactors, microcarriers);
• Design and optimisation of efficient expression systems;
• Metabolic engineering of cell lines;
• Development of biosensors;
• Use of cell lines as screening and/or diagnostic tools (pathology, immunoassays, immunity, stress responses);
• Single-cell scale analyses
• The study of interactions with other biological systems.

To support their plan, the post-holder shall have access to the research and technological infrastructure that currently exists within the TERRA research unit at GxABT.

SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY

Services to the community shall be identified gradually, taking into account the needs of the University and the individual’s skills, in partnership with the Dean and the Department.

Depending on their areas of interest, the successful candidate shall make a valuable contribution to scientific publication, communication, promotion of the Faculty, external and international relations as well as the management of shared research facilities.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED / PROFILE

• Hold a doctoral research degree at the time of submitting the application and have significant postdoctoral experience which is reflected in international high-level publications in the field of study. Demonstration of solid field experience in a developing country is an asset.
• Produce evidence of proven international collaborations relevant to the themes of the vacancy and a desire to develop these partnerships;
• Demonstrate an ability to finance and carry out scientific research and lead a research team;
• Demonstrate the ability to teach in both French and English or commit to being able to do so within two years of being appointed. If relevant, prior teaching activities should also be mentioned.
• Be able to work within a teaching and research team combining different disciplines and to use the human and technical resources which are pooled within GxABT at ULiège, as well as to develop R&D activities in contact with other stakeholders;
• Be available for various roles relating to services to the community
• Have good communication skills;
• Comply with the quality management and continuous improvement systems implemented within the University.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Applications will be examined by a Faculty Committee responsible for selecting applicants to be interviewed. They will explain their decisions in terms of this vacancy notice and the applicants’ qualifications and skills. The Faculty Committee will conduct interviews, which will cover the applicants’ CVs, their teaching and research plans, integration into the University, and French and English skills. The interview will include a public lecture, the modalities of which will be set by the Faculty Committee. This interview should be held – in principle – within the first quarter of 2027.

Our institutional policy is based on diversity and equal opportunity. We select candidates based on their qualities and regardless of their age, sexual orientation, origin, beliefs, disability or nationality.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The position is awarded either for a fixed term of four years, or, in certain exceptional circumstances, immediately on a permanent basis.

If a fixed term contract is awarded, an evaluation will be carried out at the end of the third year.

• If the evaluation is negative, the person’s appointment will end after the fourth year.
• If the evaluation is positive, the person will be appointed permanently.

INFORMATION

Further information concerning the position may be obtained from Professor Marie-Laure FAUCONNIER, Dean of the Faculty of Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, by email only at [e-mail]

REMUNERATION

Basic appointments are made at the grade of lecturer.

The gross monthly salary at the start of the scale (on a full-time basis) is currently €6,314.51 (reference index: September 2026), to which is added an end of year allowance (in December) and a holiday allowance (in June).

In exception circumstances, the Faculty may submit a substantiated application to obtain a higher grade in the salary scale (length-of-service bonus).

The career of full-time teaching staff includes the grades of lecturer, professor, and full professor. Career development (after the recruitment grade) is possible through the promotions’ procedure, the terms and conditions of which are defined by the Board of Directors.

Please contact the Human Resources department for further information on careers, salary scales, and the terms and conditions of their application: Ms Valérie MELOTTE – [e-mail]

BENEFITS

• “Statutory” position which can lead to a public sector pension if the appointment is permanent.
• Financial contribution to private relocation expenses.
• Possibility of assistance with access to the labour market for partners.
• University of Liège professional relocation allowance of €2,500 for a full-time position.
• Initial and ongoing teaching training provided by the Institut de Formation et de Recherche en Enseignement (IFRES).
• Wide range of training courses available.
• Welcome seminar and introduction to the bodies and operations of the Université of Liège (two-and-a-half days in September).
• Meal vouchers with a face value of €5 per working day.
• Full refund of public transport costs between the home and the workplace.
• Flat-rate payment for travel by bicycle.
• Call for proposals for the allocation of teaching and research credits.
• Help with setting up research projects.
• Preferential rate for registration for a ULiège course, also applicable to children.
• Possibility of preferential conditions for taking out private insurance.
• Preferential rates and reductions in a wide range of fields - shops, leisure, culture, training, sport, etc. (Benefits at Work).