VIB is a world-class life science research institute in Flanders, Belgium, hosting more than 1800 scientists in over 5 universities. VIB has a long-standing and successful history of translating scientific breakthroughs into impactful societal innovations and new innovative biotech companies.
About the Steyaert lab
Engineering Nanobodies for Structural Biology, Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Discovery. We apply Nanobodies in X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM, aiming at the highest-hanging fruits in structural biology. We engineer Nanobodies for applications in biotechnology, molecular pharmacology and drug discovery. We explore new modes of therapeutic intervention and develop first-in-class drugs.
A track record in tech transfer. In 2002, our lab co-founded Ablynx (now a Sanofi company). Ablynx is engaged in the development of proprietary therapeutic Nanobodies. In 2013, we co-founded AgroSafve, now Biotalys. Biotalys employs an Nb-based platform to develop biopesticides for the control of pests and diseases on crops and harvested products. In 2015, we created Confo Therapeutics. Confo Therapeutics employs proprietary Nanobody technology to lock inherent unstable functional conformations of GPCRs as a superior starting point for drug discovery.
Spinning out a new integrated drug discovery company. The Steyaert lab is now spinning out a new integrated drug discovery company based on innovative proprietary applications of Nanobodies, focusing on the discovery and development of novel first-in-class drugs to treat auto-immune diseases and cancer. To strengthen the founding team, we are timely recruiting five junior or senior wet lab-oriented research associates with different expertise profiles. Successful candidates will initially work at the Steyaert lab and join the new company when it moves to our new bio-incubator on the VUB campus Etterbeek (Brussels area).
Your Job
- To contribute to project progression of drug discovery projects
- To independently design and execute experiments in a timely manner:
- design of biologics to meet pre-specified requirements,
- and/or produce (clone, express and purify) proteins and biologics in appropriate expression systems,
- and/or characterize (purity, stability, binding, …) biologics with a broad range of techniques,
- and/or perform cellular biology experiments (mammalian cell cultures, transfections, FACS),
- and/or perform antibody discovery and characterization experiments (phage display, ELISA, BLI, …),
- and/or assist Hit-to-Lead activities in collaboration with the VIB Discovery Sciences unit, a group of around 20 translational research scientists and technicians located in Gent.
- To document experimental results in reports and databases
- To present results and ideas to colleagues and team members
- To contribute to the daily operational workload of the team
- To effectively communicate in English, both verbally and in writing
Desirable but not required
- Practical experience in nanobody technology, cellular biology, or biophysics is a plus.
- Experience in the biotech industry is also welcomed.
- The RA focussing on antibody engineering and Hit-To-Lead activities will initially work part-time at the VIB Discovery Sciences facilities in Gent
We offer
- An immediate start and work on exciting drug discovery programs
- A working climate where trust, (international) collaboration, and commitment are highly encouraged
- A competitive salary and benefits with the perspective to transition to a new biotech startup
- Access to state-of-the-art tools and infrastructure at the Steyaert lab (Brussels) and the VIB Discovery Science unit (Gent)
- A stimulating and supportive international research environment
- The opportunity to be involved in laying the foundations of a new company
- The possibility to make a next step in your career
How to apply?
Motivated candidates are asked to apply online via the VIB application tool.
Please provide us with a short CV (maximum 2 pages) that includes a concise personal motivation statement (maximum 200 words). Successful candidates will be contacted by our team for an interview.
