Program Manager Translational Research

Ghent VIB Headquarters

20 Apr 2024

Ghent

VIB Headquarters

Senior Scientific (Managerial)

1

Description

VIB is hiring a Program manager Translational research to lead the Grand Challenges program. The Grand Challenges Program is a translational research program that aims to increase the societal impact of VIB's research. By teaming up with experts outside VIB who have complementary expertise, our researchers generate new, otherwise untapped avenues to create added value for society.

The position is based at the VIB headquarters in Ghent and reports to the Head of Science Policy.

VIB is an entrepreneurial non-profit research institute, with a clear focus on ground-breaking strategic basic research in life sciences and operates in close partnership with the five universities in Flanders.

Key Responsibilities

  • Safeguard the strategy and objectives of the Program and align with the requirements defined in the management agreement with the government
  • Lead the Grand Challenges team (two project managers and an administrative assistant) and coordinate the team’s activities with respect to the project portfolio management, budgeting, regulatory compliance and data management, impact monitoring, reporting, outreach, and multistakeholder activities
  • Engage with VIB and external scientists on scientific project plans, helping to shape the proposals
  • Prepare project steering committee meetings (quarterly)
  • Interact with other units at VIB such as Communication and Innovation & Business, and with the other members of Science Policy
  • Liaise with initiatives relevant to translational research such as academic hospitals, translational research organizations and the partner universities
  • Build a network for VIB and act as a spokesperson for VIB in the space of translational research
  • Lead VIB’s effort to ensure continuity and funding for the Grand Challenge Program
  • Support the project management of the Horizon Europe B-Trust project that aims to develop a transparent and inclusive methodology for trust-building measures to improve the uptake of biotechnological innovations in the bio-based and agri-food sector.

Your profile and competencies and how they match the job

  • PhD in Life sciences
  • Sound project management skills
  • Experience in clinical research, clinical trial management or clinical innovation is a great plus (including knowledge on the regulatory/legal framework)
  • Experience in impact assessment or scientific evaluation is a plus
  • Able to work with Key Opinion Leaders and review panels
  • Strong interpersonal management skills
  • Fluent in spoken and written Dutch and English.

What we offer

  • A chance to contribute to an institute that values innovation and collaboration, and a programme that has a major impact on society
  • An attractive salary package with extra benefits
  • A smart working environment in our state-of-the-art head office (move in January 2024)

How to apply?

Interested candidates should submit their candidacy through the VIB online application tool.

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.