Make a Difference Where Science Meets Societal Impact
Are you ready for bold translational science initiatives that tackle real-world challenges At VIB were looking for a dynamic Program Manager to drive our Grand Challenges Program a high-impact initiative focused on translating scientific excellence into meaningful societal outcomes.
VIB is an entrepreneurial research institute with a clear focus on ground-breaking research in life sciences and operates in close partnership with the universities in Flanders. With a mission to make a real difference our Grand Challenges Program connects top researchers with societal needs to tackle high unmet challenges in health and sustainability.
Your Mission
As Program Manager you and your team (two project managers and an administrative assistant) will shape the future of translational research at VIB by
- leading and executing the Grand Challenges strategy in line with government priorities and VIBs mission;
- overseeing project portfolios budgets compliance data and impact monitoring;
- engaging with internal and external partners to shape translational project proposals;
- ensuring alignment with VIBs Innovation & Business and Communication departments;
- building strong relationships with translational stakeholders including academic hospitals universities and research organizations;
- developing VIB-wide supportive activities related to translational research (guidelines workflows or trainings related to clinical trials biobanking etc);
- acting as a key ambassador for translational research within and beyond VIB;
- securing long-term funding to ensure program sustainability;
- supporting the Horizon Europe B-Trust and EU4Health projects.
Who You Are
- You are a strategic thinker with a strong scientific background and a genuine drive to make a difference in society. You hold a PhD in Life Sciences.
- You have hands-on experience managing complex multidisciplinary projects. With your excellent organizational and planning skills you know how to turn ideas into impact.
- Your ability to connect with diverse stakeholders and guide teams toward shared goals makes you a natural leader.
- Experience in clinical research trials or healthcare innovation is a strong plus—especially if youre familiar with regulatory frameworks and/or understand the nuances of scientific evaluation or impact assessment.
- Working with key opinion leaders or advisory panels feels familiar to you and youre confident in leading conversations at a high level.
- Fluency in both Dutch and English written and spoken is essential for this role.
What We Offer
- a leadership role with societal impact and the opportunity to shape the future of translational research;
- a mission-driven environment that values collaboration and innovation;
- an open-ended contract and a full-time position;
- a competitive salary package with benefits aligned with your experience and qualifications;
- Our offices are located at VIB headquarters in Ghent. Flexible working hours and the possibility of working from home 2 days/week).
- Learning and development opportunities to support your professional growth and broaden your expertise.
Ready to Drive Change
If you are interested in this opportunity please submit your application online including CV and letter of motivation through the VIB job portal.
For more information on the position contact . Job interviews will start no earlier than mid-September.
We look forward to hearing from you!