(Senior) Research Associate VIB DS Leuven - Temporary replacement position

Leuven VIB Discovery Sciences

10 Nov 2026

Leuven

VIB Discovery Sciences

1

Contract type: Temporary replacement contract | Start date: January 2027

VIB is a world-class life sciences research institute in Flanders, Belgium, with more than 2000 scientists across 4 universities. VIB has a long and successful history of translating scientific breakthroughs into impactful societal innovations and new innovative biotech companies.

The current position is within the VIB Discovery Sciences (VIB DS) team, a group of 20+ translational research scientists with a strong industry background. VIB DS focuses on the validation and translation of VIB's scientific breakthroughs into drug, biomarker and diagnostic discovery projects to support new venture creation and licensing opportunities as part of the VIB Innovation & Business team. VIB DS is looking for a (Senior) Research Associate with relevant experience to join one of our project teams in Leuven, focused on developing human primary cell assays. The candidate will bring expertise and hands-on experience with human primary cells, T-cell activation assays (and possibly moDCs) to the project.

About the role

This is a temporary replacement position to ensure continuity during the absence of a team member. Your responsibilities:

  • Help develop and optimize human primary cell co-culture assays, supporting the progression of a drug discovery project.
  • Screen and characterize drug leads. Readouts are flow cytometry, alphaLISA and ELISA.
  • Analyze and interpret experimental data, perform statistical analysis.
  • Communicate results internally and to the partner and write experimental reports.
  • Support biobank-related activities: isolation of PBMCs from buffy coats. Isolate (& expand) CD4+T, CD8+T and monocytes from PBMCs using MACS technology and relevant protocols.
  • General support to the lab and maintenance of lab supplies and stocks.

Your profile

  • You have a master´s degree in biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, laboratory or biomedical science or a PhD in sciences.
  • A minimum of 3 years of relevant lab-based experience is required. Experience in industry is a plus, but not mandatory.
  • You have solid hands-on experience in working with human primary cells including T-cell activation assays. Ideally, you also have experience with moDCs generation and co-culture assays. Expertise in CD8+T cell biology is a big plus.
  • You have experience with flow cytometry, alphaLISA and ELISA assays.
  • You have excellent organizational skills and can work in a team as well as independently.
  • You can multi-task and meet timelines.
  • You enjoy a dynamic and international environment.
  • A sense of humor is highly recommended.
  • You have good social and communication skills in spoken and written English.

Our offer

  • A full-time replacement contract starting in January 2027 for the duration of the employee’s absence. Based on the information currently available, we expect the assignment to last approximately three to six months
  • We provide a supportive, stimulating and international environment with a clear focus on drug development, at the forefront of life sciences, in the best team ever, working from our site in Leuven
  • You will be exposed to different aspects of early drug discovery
  • Total social security, including pension scheme and health care program.

How to apply?

Motivated candidates should apply via the online application form: https://jobs.vib.be/apply/138371 .

A complete application file (English) should contain the following documents:

  • your cover/motivation letter
  • your CV
  • references

In case of questions, please reach out to [email protected] .

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VIB values diversity - in backgrounds and in experiences. The institute needs people from all backgrounds and ways of life to help build a thriving scientific environment. VIB is therefore looking for candidates who are not only strong in their own aptitudes but care deeply about supporting each other's growth. VIB's collaborators are people with different strengths, experiences and backgrounds, who share a passion for science that generates impact in science and in society. Diversity not only includes race and gender identity, but also nationality, age, disability status, sexual orientation, religion and many other parts of one’s identity. All of VIB’s employees’ points of view are key to its success, and inclusion is everyone's responsibility.