Research assistent

Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG); Oost-Vlaanderen; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

36 days holiday leave

Bicycle allowance

Eco vouchers

Job summary

Ghent University is seeking a researcher to contribute to a translational project developing a biomaterial-based medical device for advanced sinus surgery. The role involves formulation optimisation, material characterisation and preclinical validation within an interdisciplinary team of polymer scientists, engineers and clinicians.

You will focus on translating research outcomes toward clinical application, validating formulations, and preparing documentation for in vivo studies, with

Qualifications

• Requires Master’s degree in a relevant field and strong English communication skills.
• Knowledge of Dutch is an asset.
• Experience with laboratory animal science is a strong asset.
• Interest in biomaterials, drug delivery systems and medical device development is essential.
• Excellent experimental and organisational skills with meticulous lab documentation.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimise polymer formulations focusing on reproducibility, performance and processability.
• Characterise physicochemical properties including rheology, solidification kinetics and mechanical performance.
• Incorporate APIs into formulations and study distribution and release under physiological conditions.
• Assess impact of sterilisation methods on material properties and performance.
• Collaborate with external engineering partners to evaluate and optimise prototype designs.
• Conduct biocompatibility assessments according to ISO 10993 standards.
• Contribute to experimental protocols, technical documentation and planning of in vivo validation studies.

Skills

English proficiency

Dutch language

Independent worker

Experimental skills

Documentation

Biomaterials interest

Drug delivery

Medical device development

Education

Master's degree in biomedical sciences, biomedical engineering, bioengineering, biotechnology or related field

Job description

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

The project is a translational research initiative bringing together clinical, scientific and valorisation expertise to develop an innovative solution for advanced sinus surgery.

The project is led by Prof. Thibaut Van Zele (Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ghent University Hospital), Prof. Peter Dubruel (Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group, Ghent University). The interdisciplinary team combines internationally recognised expertise in sinus surgery, biomaterials and polymer technologies, complemented by dedicated expertise in business development and technology valorisation. This collaborative environment supports the translation of scientific innovations into clinically relevant and commercially viable medical technologies.

You will contribute to the further development and preclinical validation of an innovative biomaterial-based medical device, with a focus on translating existing research outcomes towards clinical application. Working within an interdisciplinary team of polymer scientists, engineers and clinicians, you will focus on formulation optimisation, material characterisation and experimental validation.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Develop and optimise polymer formulations using existing, ready-to-use building blocks, with a focus on reproducibility, performance and processability.
• Characterise the physicochemical properties of the formulations, including rheological behaviour, solidification kinetics and mechanical performance.
• Incorporate active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) into the formulations and investigate their distribution and release profiles under physiologically relevant conditions.
• Investigate the impact of different sterilisation methods on material properties and performance.
• Collaborate with external engineering partners to evaluate and optimise prototype designs.
• Conduct biocompatibility assessments in accordance with relevant ISO 10993 standards.
• Contribute to the development of experimental protocols, technical documentation and planning of upcoming in vivo validation studies.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold a Master’s degree in biomedical sciences, biomedical engineering, bioengineering, biotechnology or a related field.
• You have strong written and verbal communication skills in English. Knowledge of Dutch is an asset.
• A qualification in laboratory animal science (proefdierkunde), particularly for preparing and submitting ethical applications for animal experiments, is a strong asset.
• You have a strong interest in biomaterials, drug delivery systems and medical device development.
• You possess excellent experimental and organisational skills, with particular attention to accurate laboratory documentation.
• You are able to work independently while collaborating effectively within an interdisciplinary team.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer you a contract of definite duration for the period for 1 year
• Hands-on experience in translational research within an interdisciplinary team of scientists, clinicians and industrial partners, combining expertise in polymer chemistry, biomaterials and biomedical engineering to advance an innovative medical technology towards clinical application.
• The opportunity to apply for a four-year FWO PhD fellowship following the completion of this project.
• Your contract will start on 1/12/2026 at the earliest.
• 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.

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 Prof. Dubruel ([e-mail]), +32(0)9/ 264 44 66).