Programme Associate

Do you want to help founders turn breakthrough biotech innovations into successful startups Are you curious about entrepreneurship biotech and planetary health

Biotope by VIB is an early-stage investor supporting biotech startups in agriculture food and biomaterials. Backed by VIB the leading and internationally recognized life sciences research institute based in Flanders we help founders turn breakthrough biotech into investable businesses within 18 months through funding hands-on support and access to a strong ecosystem.

Were looking for a Programme Associate to join our small driven team. This is a varied hands-on role for someone who enjoys bringing structure to dynamic projects and making sure ideas are translated into action.

Youll play a central supporting role to founders investors mentors and partners while helping run our selection process basecamp programme ecosystem activities and day-to-day operations.

What youll do:

Basecamp

• Support our scouting pipeline and coordinate our twice-yearly application calls (from outreach to follow up) and venture selection process
• Organize and help deliver our three-week basecamp programme

Communication & visibility

• Support biotopes online presence (including LinkedIn website and newsletters)
• Contribute to marketing efforts that increase our international visibility

Ecosystem & community

• Organize networking investor and community events
• Represent biotope at relevant (inter)national events and conferences

Team & operations

• Collaborate closely with different team members to keep projects events and day-to-day operations on track
• Provide hands-on operational support across planning coordination and follow-up
• Contribute to new initiatives as we grow

You enjoy working with ambitious people you take initiative and bring structure in a fast-moving environment - always with a hands-on practical mindset.

You bring

• Strong interest in entrepreneurship biotech innovation and startup creation
• Ownership mindset and a get things done attitude
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Masters degree in life sciences business engineering innovation management (or equivalent through experience)
• Experience or exposure to biotech startups venture building or innovation environments is a strong plus especially in biomaterials agrifood or deep tech
• Professional fluency in English both written and spoken

• Work closely with inspiring founders partners and investors across Europes biotech ecosystem
• Get first-hand exposure to early-stage venture building
• Take real responsibility from day one
• Be part of a small ambitious and supportive team
• Receive a competitive compensation package based on experience and expertise
• A full-time open-ended contract

You will be based at VIB HQ in Ghent (Belgium) with the possibility to work from home up to 2 days per week (full-time remote work is not possible for this role).

Excited to join us Please apply via the VIB online career portal ( with your CV and motivation letter.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The vacancy will be closed once a suitable candidate is identified so we encourage you to apply early.

In case of questions about the function you can reach out to .