Postdoctoral Researcher

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

We are seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher with entrepreneurial skills and ambitions to join our team in a unique and challenging role focused on the translation of a biosynthetic corneal endothelium from bench to bedside. The candidate should be eager to launch and subsequently join a spin-off company to bring this cutting-edge therapy to the market/clinic. The successful candidate will work at the intersection of academia and industry, contributing to the practical application of research findings, considering regulatory aspects (GMP, GLP, accreditation, etc.) and driving the commercialization and clinical translation of a novel therapeutic approach. The post-doctoral researcher to be appointed at UGent will be in charge of all material- and chemistry-related considerations.

1. Therapeutic Translation focusing on material development aspect:

   • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams from other universities to translate research findings into practical therapeutic applications.

   • Design and execute material-related experiments to validate the efficacy and safety of the materials in terms of shape memory behavior (both in in vitro and in vivo setting)

   • Perform polymer synthesis ensuring reproducibility, material purity as well as polymer characterization taking into consideration scalability and requirements related to transfer of SOPs to accredited CMOs

   • Write SOPs for polymer synthesis and characterization and consider QC aspects throughout material development trajectory  

   • Implement strategies for scaling up production processes, ensuring seamless transition from the laboratory to clinical trials.

2. Entrepreneurial Initiatives:

   • Identify market opportunities for therapeutic innovations and contribute to the development of a strategic business plan together with other project partners and subcontractors.

   • Identify alternative application areas for the patented material platform to maximize valorization of IP as well as to maximize interest from investors.

   • Work closely with industry partners, investors, and stakeholders to foster collaborations and secure funding for translational initiatives.

   • Steer the launch of a spin-off company based on our promising biosynthetic corneal endothelial transplant with the intention to join full-time the spin-off team after company launch.

3. Project Management:

   • Lead and coordinate the UGent work packages of the research project focusing on material development and clinical translation thereof, ensuring timely and efficient progress toward translational milestones.

   • Collaborate with cross-functional teams from other universities to integrate scientific and business perspectives, aligning research goals with commercialization objectives.

4. Intellectual Property Management:

   • Contribute to the identification and protection of intellectual property through patent applications and other relevant mechanisms.

   • Assist in technology transfer processes and negotiations with industry partners.

   • Identify alternative valorization strategies for UGent’s current material-based IP portfolio as well as for novel IP to be secured.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold a Master’s degree or a thesis-based doctorate.
• Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g., chemistry, chemical engineering).
• Proven track record or huge motivation for translational research, with a focus on bringing novel materials to the clinic.
• Strong entrepreneurial (non-academic) mindset and a demonstrated interest in commercialization and business development.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with both academic and industry partners.
• Experience in project management and a track record of successfully leading research teams.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer you a contract of definite duration for the period from 1/11/2024 till 31/10/2025.

• Your contract will start on 1/11/2024 at the earliest.

• Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale WM1 to WM4 (if you hold a Master’s degree) or salary scale PD1 to PD4 (if you hold a doctorate).  Click here for more information about our salary scales.

• 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.

INTERESTED?

Apply online through the e-recruitment system before the application deadline (see above). We do not accept late applications or applications that are not submitted through the online system.

Your application must include the following documents:

• In the field ‘CV’: your CV and an overview of your study results (merged into one pdf file)

• In the field ‘Cover letter’: your application letter in pdf format

• In the field ‘Diploma’: a transcript of the required degree (if already in your possession). If you have a foreign diploma in a language other than our national languages (Dutch, French or German) or English, please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages.

• In the field “other documents”: a reference letter, an overview of your study results,  … 

Note that the maximum file size for each field is 10 MB.

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. Sandra Van Vlierberghe (Sandra.vanvlierberghe@ugent.be), +32(0)9/264 45 08). Important: do NOT send your application by email, but apply online.

Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read the FAQ or contact us via selecties@ugent.be or +32 9 264 34 36