Scientific Researcher (30370)

Ghent University; Belgique; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 52,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

36 days holiday leave

Bicycle allowance

Eco vouchers

Training and education opportunities

Job summary

Ghent University seeks a First Stage Researcher to join a spin-off biotechnology project. You will combine scientific expertise with a business mindset to drive operational and strategic activities across the company, reporting to the team lead and coordinating with external partners.

Requires a Master or PhD in Life Sciences or related field; strong analytical, communication, and entrepreneurial skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Master or PhD degree in Life Sciences, Medicine, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical engineering or related discipline.
• Advanced Master in Entrepreneurship/Biotech Ventures/MBA or equivalent is considered an asset.
• Experience in fundraising, business development or management consulting is considered 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 investor presentations and pitch decks; contribute to business plans.
• Support grant applications and funding proposals; maintain investor data room.

Skills

Entrepreneurial mindset

Analytical skills

Written and verbal communication

Independent worker

Fundraising/BD/Consulting experience

Biotech entrepreneurship interest

Education

Master degree

PhD degree

Advanced Entrepreneurship/MB A background

Job description

Organisation/Company Ghent University Research Field Biological sciences » Other Economics » Administrative sciences Economics » Marketing Economics » Other Engineering » Other Medical sciences » Other Technology » Biotechnology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 12 Oct 2026 - 21:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary 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

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 ofassignment: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
• 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] ).

Contact us via [e-mail].