- Apply before 19/06/2026 (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels Time)
- Faculty of Sciences
- Department: WE09 - Plantenbiotechnologie en Bio-informatica
- Occupancy rate:50%
- Number of positions: 1
- Type of employment: Contract of limited duration
- Term of assignment: 12 maanden
- Wage scale: PD1 to PD4 (doctoral degree)
- Required diploma:PhD
ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY
Ghent University is a dynamic and diverse organization with over 15,000 staff engaged in education, research, and services. It offers a stimulating environment and strong career opportunities across a wide range of disciplines, driven by a commitment to scientific excellence and societal impact.
Within this context, the International Plant Biotechnology Outreach (IPBO) group, part of the Faculty of Sciences, Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, focuses on building and strengthening international research partnerships that translate scientific knowledge into locally relevant solutions. IPBO advances the responsible and inclusive use of plant biotechnology for sustainable development by fostering co-creation, supporting research valorisation, and facilitating collaboration between academia, policymakers, and stakeholders. Through long-term partnerships, particularly in Africa, IPBO contributes to developing innovation pathways that address local challenges in agriculture, food security, and climate resilience.
YOUR TASKS
- You develop high-quality concept notes for research valorisation within a defined timeframe, building on VIB-PSB scientific expertise and aligned with IPBO’s strategic objectives.
- You translate scientific results and ideas into structured, fundable project concepts, including objectives, methodology, expected impact and potential funding pathways.
- You interact with PSB researchers and IPBO colleagues to identify a focused set of research lines with strong potential for translational application and international collaboration.
- You contribute to the development of a training programme, engaging with relevant expertise within PSB and African partners to address capacity needs.
- You contribute to set up consortia aligned with Concept notes, including mapping relevant partners in Europe and Africa.
- You monitor and analyse relevant funding opportunities and ensure alignment between concept notes and funding priorities.
- You contribute to the structuring and prioritisation of IPBO’s project pipeline, with a focus on tangible outputs within the duration of the assignment.
- You support the preparation of selected project proposals building on the developed concept notes.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- You hold a PhD in plant science, biotechnology or a related discipline.
- You have a solid and independent scientific profile, with knowledge of plant molecular biology or related domains relevant to VIB-PSB research, including areas such as plant resilience, stress responses, or climate-smart crops.
- Experience within VIB-PSB or a comparable research environment is recommended.
- You have demonstrated experience with project development, proposal writing or concept note preparation, and you can operate autonomously in this context, ideally in areas linked to sustainable agriculture or climate adaptation.
- You are able to translate scientific knowledge into concise and well-structured project concepts, with clear objectives and impact pathways.
- You have strong analytical and organisational skills, allowing you to prioritise and deliver outputs within a defined timeframe.
- You have good communication and coordination skills, and you are able to interact efficiently with different stakeholders in an international context.
- You have an excellent command of spoken and written English, French is an asset.
- You are able to work independently, while contributing to a small and focused team.
- Experience with international funding programmes and/or collaborations with partners in Africa is an asset.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
- We offer you a part-time contract (50%) of definite duration for a period of one year, with possibility to renew.
- Your contract will start on 1/07/2026 at the earliest.
- Your remuneration will be determined by 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 a transcript of your academic record (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.
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. Marc Heijde (
[email protected], +32(0)9/331 36 94). 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
[email protected].
