Scientific Researcher

Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG); Oost-Vlaanderen; Remote; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contract of definite duration: 01/11/

36 days of holiday leave + eco perks

Job summary

Ghent University seeks a motivated scientist with business acumen to help transform a spin-off project into a venture-backed biotech company. You will bridge science and strategy, coordinating operations and investor activities in collaboration with leadership.

Responsibilities span project management, fundraising support, and market analysis while maintaining strong external partnerships and scientific communication to drive growth and innovation.

Qualifications

• Master or PhD in Life Sciences, Medicine, Biotechnology or related discipline.
• Advanced degree in Entrepreneurship or MBAs is an asset.
• Strong 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 an asset.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• Maintain relationships with existing and prospective investors.
• Conduct market research and competitive landscape analyses.
• Identify business opportunities and market trends.
• Evaluate licensing and strategic partnership opportunities.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Perform strategic and risk analyses.

Skills

Biotech entrepreneurship

Analytical skills

Written and verbal communication

Independent/start-up mindset

Entrepreneurial mindset

Education

Master or PhD in Life Sciences/Medicine/Biotechnology

Advanced Master/MBA in Entrepreneurship/Biotech Ventures

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

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
• 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
• Maintain relationships with existing and prospective investors
• Conduct market research and competitive landscape analyses
• Identify business opportunities and market trends
• Evaluate licensing and strategic partnership opportunities
• 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

• 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.
• 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 .

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 ( [e-mail] ).